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En5 



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HISTORY 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 



tf-^-Cc^ 



HISTORY 



ov 



THE UNITED STATES, 



FROM THEIR 



FIRST SETTLEMENT AS COLONIES 



CLOSE OF THE CAMPAIGN OF 1814. 



BY SALMA HALE. 



ABERDEEN: 

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HISTORY 

OF 

THE UNITED STITES, 

CHAPTER I. 
INTRODUCTION. 

AMERICA is often denominated the New World. That it 
emerged from the ocean at a later period than the eastern 
continent, is an opinion to which the recent discoveries and dis- 
cussions of geologists have given some degree of plausibility. 
The inhabitants of other regions first acquired a knowledge 
^f its existence shortly before the year 1000 after Christ. 
Qiarne, a native of Iceland, then left that island for Greenland ; 
out, losing his reckoning in a fog, and sailing he knew not in 
vvhat direction, he at length saw land, which, from the account 
he gave of his course on his return, is now supposed to have 
been some part of the coast of North America. He did not 
leave his ship, but continued his voyage, and arrived at length 
at Greenland. 

Lief, ' native of that country, having heard of Blame's voy- 
age, b^ iht his ship, and in the year 1000, sailed towards the 
point from which Biarne returned. He soon discovered land, 
and went on shore, somewhere, it is supposed, on the coast of 
Labrador or Nova Scotia. Sailing thence, and passing between 
an island, probably Nantucket, and a promontory, he landed 
at a place supposed to be in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 
Here he erected huts, or booths, and passed the winter ; and, 
finding an abundance of grapes in the vicinity, he called the 
country Vinland, or Wiueland. 

In 1002, Lief having returned to Greenland, Thorwald, his 
brother, undertook a voyage in the same direction. He reached 
Vinland, discovered Liefs booths, there passed the winter, and 
continued some time in the country. In the summer of 1004, 
Thorwald was killed in a contest with the natives. In the 
spring of 1005, the remainder of the party returned to Green- 
land. 

Two years afterwards, an expedition, consisting of three 



C HISTORY OF 

• 

ships and one hundred and forty men, sailed for the same 
country. After coasting along the shore from Labrador to 
Rhode Island, they there landed, passed the winter, and had 
considerable intercourse with the natives. During their stay 
at this place, Gudrida, the wife of Thorfinn, the commander 
of the expedition, bore a son, who was called Snorre, from 
whom has descended many distinguished individuals, of whom 
Thorwaldsen, the great sculptor, is one. Other voyages from 
Greenland were afterwards made to this country; but no ac- 
count has reached us of any made after the year 1347. Nar- 
ratives of the voyages, of which a very brief abstract is here 
given, have been lately published, under the superintendence 
of the Royal Society of Antiquaries, at Copenhagen, from ma- 
nuscripts recently discovered in northern libraries. They are 
not universally credited ; but the reasons for believing them 
are more cogent than those by which many undoubted histo- 
rical facts are supported. 

It has not been ascertained that the knowledge acquired bj 
the Greenlanders of the existence of America was ever com- 
municated to the inhabitants of the eastern continent. It is 
known, however, that a constant intercourse was kept up be- 
tween Greenland and Iceland, and that the English ofteE 
visited the latter island for the purposes of traffic. And it is 
mentioned in the journal of the expedition of Thorfinn, that a 
party of eight men, going in search of the settlement of Lief, 
were driven by westerly gales to the .coast of Ireland, and 
there made slaves. This gives some countenance to the tra- 
dition that the chieftain Madoc, with a portion of his followers 
came to this country from Wales. 

At this period, the mariners of Northern Europe were more 
adventurous, if not more skilful, navigators than those of more 
southern latitudes. The latter were accustomed to cruise, ir 
frail barks, along the coast, not daring to lose sight of land 
but the increase of the arts among them, the extension of geo- 
graphical knowledge, and more especially the invention of th( 
mariner's compass, about the year 1300, gave an impetus tc 
navigation which led to important discoveries. The first wat 
that of the Canary Islands. Afterwards a squadron, sent b} 
the Portuguese to explore the coast of Africa, passed beyonc 
Cape Non, which had not before been doubled, and reached 
Cape Bojador. Thus encouraged, they sent out other expe- 
ditions for the same purpose, which were successful, discover- 
ing, in 1418, the Island of Porto Santo, and, in 1419, tht 
Island of Madeira. Soon after, the Islands of Cape dt 
Verd and the Azores were discovered by companies of mer- 
chants. 

John II., who ascended the throne of Portugal in 1481, par- 
took of the enthusiasm for discovery which had begun tc 



THE UNITED STATES. 7 

animate his whole people, In 1484, a powerful fleet was 
despatched to cruise along the coast of Africa, which ad- 
vanced fifteen hundred miles beyond the equator, and disco- 
vered the kingdoms of Benin and Congo. In 1487, Bartholo- 
mew Diaz , in command of another fleet, discovered the Cape 
of Good Hope, the southern extremity of Africa. 

Exalted ideas of the wealth of the East Indies were then 
entertained by Europeans ; and it was the darling object of 
all engaged in commerce to find a less expensive route to that 
country than the one by land then pursued. The information 
obtained in these expeditions, and in one by land to Abyssinia 
and the coast of Malabar, gave rise to the hope that India 
might be reached by sailing first along the western coast of 
Africa, doubling the Cape of Good Hope, and then sailing 
northward to the region of riches. This voyage, now so 
easily accomplished, was then only contemplated as a possible 
achievement, difficult, if possible, and sure to crown him who 
should first perform it with never-ending fame. 

Among the navigators of that age was Christopher Colum- 
bus, a native of Genoa, but a resident of Lisbon. He was 
distinguished for experience and skill in his profession, for ex- 
tensive knowledge, and for a bold and original genius. Re- 
flecting that the earth was round, he conceived the project of 
seeking India by sailing directly west. No sooner had he 
conceived the project, than his mind and his industry gathered 
arguments and facts which convinced him that it was feasible. 
Some ancient writer had declared that the diameter of the 
earth was not so great as was generally supposed ; from the 
accounts of others^ he was led to believe that India extended 
farther eastward than geographers had laid it down ; and in 
his intercourse with mariners and others, he had learned that 
pieces of carved wood, reeds of immense size, trunks of huge 
pine trees, and, most important of all, the bodies of two dead 
men, whose features differed from any known race of people, 
all driven towards Europe by westerly winds, had been taken 
from the sea at various places All these, acting upon an en- 
thusiastic temperament, not only confirmed his belief, but im- 
pelled him to devote all his energies to the accomplishment 
of his project. He even considered himself singled out 
by the Deity, as its agent, to execute this, its own stupendous 
design. 

Being unable to defray the expenses of an expedition, Co- 
lumbus obtained an audience of the king of Portugal, explained 
to him his project, and solicited aid. It has been said that he 
first applied to his native city : but recent investigation throws 
doubt upon this statement. The king listened to his applica- 
tion with favour, and referred it to his council ; but they, in- 
stead of reporting favourably upon it, recommended that 



8 HISTORY OF 

Columbus should be kept in suspense, and a vessel despatched 
to make discoveries in the route which he had designated. 
One was accordingly sent, but returned unsuccessful. Indig- 
nant at this unworthy conduct, he immediately left Portugal, 
and, repairing to the court of Spain, sought an audience of its 
joint sovereigns, Ferdinand and Isabella. 

By the friendship of the archbishop of Toledo, he at length 
obtained access to the sovereigns ; but he remained a long 
time in Spain, following the court from city to city, tantalized 
by encouragement often held out and as often withdrawn, 
without succeeding in his object. When hope had almost de- 
serted him, two of his friends made a last attempt to persuade 
the queen to furnish the necessary funds. By their zeal and 
eloquence her generous spirit was enkindled, and she declared 
she would undertake the enterprise for her crown of Castile, 
and would pledge her private jewels to raise means to fit out 
the expedition. 

On the 17th of April, 1492, Columbus was appointed admi- 
ral, viceroy, and governor of all the islands and continents 
which he might discover, — which offices were made hereditary 
in his family, — and other powers, rights, and privileges were 
granted to him. Two armed vessels were provided, to which 
a third was afterwards added, he furnishing a part of the ex- 
penses ; and on Friday, the 3d day of the following August, 
he set sail from the port of Palos, steering towards the Canary 
Islands. 

He arrived there on the 9th, remained there three weeks to 
refit his vessels, and then departed, steering directly west, and 
boldly venturing into seas which no vessel had yet entered. As 
the heights of the westernmost island faded from view, the 
hearts of the crews failed them. They were leaving every thing 
dear to the heart of man — country, friends, and relatives ; be- 
fore them every thing was mystery and peril. Many shed 
tears, and some broke into loud lamentations. The admiral, 
to soothe their distress, described to them the countries teem- 
ing with gold and precious stones, to which he was about to 
conduct them, and promised them lands, and riches, and every 
thing that could encourage them or inflame their imaginations. 

Apprehensive that the crews would be alarmed if they knew 
how fast they receded from home, he kept two reckonings — 
one private and correct, for his own guidance; the other, 
which was open to general inspection, exhibited a daily pro- 
gress several leagues less than the actual sailing of the ship. 
On the 13th of September, having sailed about six hundred 
miles from the Canaries, he noticed the variation of the needle, 
which had never before been remarked. He made no mention 
of the circumstance ; but, a few days afterwards, it attracted 
the attention of the pilots, and filled them with consterna,tioo. 



THE UNITED STATES* 9 

They apprehended that the compass was about to lose its mys- 
terious virtues ; and without this, their only guide, what was 
to become of them in this vast and trackless ocean; He 
tasked his ingenuity for an explanation ; and that which he 
gave, although it did not perfectly satisfy himself, quieted the 
alarm of his companions. 

They soon arrived within the influence of the trade wind, 
which blows constantly from the east to the west between the 
tropics, and then advanced rapidly over a tranquil sea. After 
proceeding about one thousand miles from the Canaries, they 
met with indications of land, such as weeds and birds, which 
animated and encouraged the crews. They continued to sail 
onward ; but their expectations were disappointed, and they 
became 'agitated and alarmed at the distance left behind them, 
and at the thought that it might be impossible to return. 
They recalled to mind that the scheme had been condemned 
by the learned, and ridiculed by the ignorant. Some proposed 
that Columbus should be compelled to return; others, that he 
should be thrown into the sea, and his friends informed, upon 
their return to Spain, that he had fallen overboard while tak- 
ing observations of the stars. 

Amidst these difficulties, Columbus displayed those traits of 
character which proved the greatness of his mind, and his pe- 
culiar fitness for the arduous duties of his station. He appeared 
among the crew with a calm and cheerful countenance, as if 
satisfied that he should succeed in his undertaking. Somtimes 
he soothed them by holding out the prospect of riches and 
fame, and by reminding them of the gratuity which had been 
offered to him who should first discover land. Sometimes he 
assumed a tone of authority, and threatened the most refrac- 
tory with the vengeance of their sovereigns, should they com- 
pel him to relinquish the undertaking. 

These encouragements and threats prevented open resist- 
tance to his authority. Meanwhile the squadron proceeded 
onward ; the indications of land became more frequent ; but 
none being discovered, the crews again became turbulent and 
clamorous ; they insisted upon abandoning the voyage as 
hopeless, and returning home. Columbus endeavoured to 
pacify them ; but finding the clamour to increase, he told them 
it was useless to murmur, and that he was determined to 
persevere until he had accomplished the enterprise. 

Fortunately, the next day, the signs of land were such as to 
remove all doubt, and every eye was strained to discover it. 
At ten o'clock in the evening, Columbus saw a light glimmer- 
ing at a distance. It soon disappeared, but at two o'clock in 
the morning of the 12th of October, a gun from the Pinta gave 
the jovful signal of land. Passing from one extreme to the 
' A 5 



ii) HiSTOilf OF 

other, they who, a few days before, had reviled and insulted 
their commander, now regarded him as one whom the Deity 
had endowed with knowledge and penetration above the 
common lot of mortals. 

At sunrise, Columbus, in a rich and splendid dress, landed, 
and with a drawn sword in his hand, and displaying the 
royal standard, took possession of the island for the crown of 
Spain, all his followers kneeling on the shore, and kissing the 
ground with tears of joy. The natives, who had assembled 
in great numbers on the first appearance of the ships, stood 
around the Spaniards, gazing in speechless astonishment. 

" The Europeans were hardly less amazed at the scene be- 
fore them. Every herb, and shrub, and tree, was different 
from those which flourished in Europe. The inhabitants ap- 
peared in the simple innocence of nature — entirely naked. 
Their black hair, long and uncurled, floated upon their shoul- 
ders, or was bound in tresses around their heads. Though 
not tall, they were well shaped and active. They were shy 
at first, through fear, but soon became familiar with the Span- 
iards; from whom, with transports of joy, they received 
various trinkets, for which in return they gave such provisions 
as they had, and some cotton yarn, the only commodity of 
value they could produce." 

To this island Columbus gave the name of St. Salvador. 
The natives called it Guanahani, and by that name it was 
known. It was one of the Bahama Isles, and is above three 
thousand miles from Gomera, the most western of the Cana- 
ries. From the poverty and ignorance of the inhabitants, 
Columbus was convinced that he had not yet arrived at the 
rich country which was the object of his search. Leaving 
Guanahani, he discovered and visited several other islands, 
and at length arrived at one called Hayti, and by him Hispan- 
iola. Here he remained a few weeks, and then returned to 
Spain. 

The news of his wonderful discovery filled the kingdom 
with astonishment and joy. His reception at court was ac- 
companied by flattering and splendid ceremonies ordained for 
the occasion ; and he was honoured by many proofs of royal 
favour. He made three subsequent voyages, and, in 1498, 
discovered the continent of America, at the mouth of the Oro- 
noco, a river of the third or fourth magnitude in the New 
World, but far surpassing the largest in the Old. 

The honour, however, of first discovering the continent, must, 
without diminishing the merit of Columbus, be given to John 
Cabot and his son Sebastian. They were Venetian merchants, 
resident in Bristol, but, soon after the result of Iho firrst voyajre 
of Columbus was known, were sent, by the king of Kngland, 
on an expedition of discovery, in the same direction. In June, 



THE UNITED STATESi 11 

1497, they arrived at the island of Newfoundland, in North 
America, and, proceeding westward, soon after reached the 
continent. It being their object, also, to find a direct passage 
to the East Indies, they first sailed northwardly, in search of 
it, as far as the 57th degree of latitude ; then, returning, 
cruised along the coast to East Florida ; and thence sailed to 
England, without having made any settlement. Upon the 
discoveries made in this voyage the English founded their 
claim to the eastern portion of North America. 

In 1449, Alonzo de Ojeda, a companion of Columbus in his 
first expedition, discovered the continent at Paria. Americus 
Yespucius, a Florentine gentleman, who accompanied him, 
published, on his return, an account of the voyage, and a de- 
scription of the country which they had visited ; and from 
him it derives the name it bears. 

In 1504, several adventurous navigators, from different parts 
of France, came, in small vessels, to fish on the banks of New- 
foundland. In 1524, John Verrazzani, a Florentine, in the 
employment of the king of France, sailed along the coast of 
America, from Florida to the 50th degree of north latitude. — 
He is supposed to have entered the harbours of New York and 
Newport. He made, the next year, another voyage, from 
which he never returned, nor is it known by what disaster he 
perished. During the next forty years, frequent voyages were 
made to the coast of North America. Of some, the object was 
fishing ; of other.s, trade with the natives. In 1 540, the 
French made an attempt to plant a colony in Canada, Avhich 
was unsuccessful. 

Florida was discovered by Juan Ponce de Leon, in 1512. — 
He had been governor of Porto Pvico, and had heard and be- 
lieved the report, almost universally credited in that age of 
wonders, that somewhere in that quarter of the world, a foun- 
tain poured out waters which would give a perpetuity of youth 
to him who should drink of them. Sailing in pursuit of this 
fountain, he, on Easter Sunday, which the Spaniards call Pas- 
cua Florida, discovered land a few miles north of St. Augus- 
tine. He went on shore, took possession of the territory for 
Spain, remained several weeks on the coast, and then returned 
to Porto Rico. ...;.,: . • i , : 

The same coast was aftervi^ards visited by other Spaniards ; 
and in 15.37, Ferdinand de Soto, a favourite companion of Pi- 
zarro in the conquest of Pern, received from Charles the Fifth' 
a commission to conquer and govern Florida. He embarked 
w;ith about nine hundred men, and in May, 1539, arrived at 
Spiritu Santo. Being told by the natives that gold might be 
found in abundance, in the interior^ he j)rocei'ded with his 
wiiole force to ^iearch for it. ./An su-couut of this expedition 
has been publiehed; but" the places visited not how bearing the 



12 HISTORY OF 

same names, it is useless to describe his route. It is supposed 
that he passed into the country east of Flint River, in Georgia, 
and north of the head of the Bay of Appalachee. The next 
spring, he directed his course north-eastwardly, passed the 
Alatamaha, and came to the Ogeechee. In July, 1540, he was 
on tlie Coosa, near its sources, and afterwards at a considera- 
ble town on the Alabama, above the junction of the Tombig- 
bee, where a battle was fought in which 2500 Indians perished. 
The Spaniards then proceeded towards the north, and passed 
the v/inter of 1540-1 in the upper part of the state of Missis- 
sippi. Thence they proceeded to the river of that name, and 
crossed it, probably at the lowest Chickasaw Bluffs. They 
appear to have visited the high-lands of White River, two 
hundred miles beyond the Mississippi, and to have wintered 
on the Washita. In the spring of 1542, they descended the 
Washita and Red Rivers, and near the junction of the latter 
with the Mississippi, De Soto died. In the hope of reaching 
New Spain by land, they proceeded westward as far as 
Natchitoches; then returned to the Mississippi, constructed 
seven brigantines, in which they descended that river, and, 
coasting along the western shore of the Gulf of Mexico, ar- 
rived, on the 10th of September, 1543, at a Spanish settlement 
on the river Panuco, having been wandering in the wilderness 
nearly four years. Of those who entered Florida with De 
Soto, only three hundred and eleven arrived at Panuco. — 
Wherever they stopped, they inquired for gold, and the Indians, 
to get rid of unwelcome visitors, directed them to other and 
distant places. 

In 1562, that illustrious statesman, Jasper Coligni, the head 
of the Protestant sect in France, projected a settlement in 
America, to which his brethren might retire from the persecu- 
tion of the Catholics. He fitted out two ships, and gave the 
command of them to John Ribaut, who proceeded to America, 
and landed at a ])lace supposed to be within the limits of 
South Carolina. He there built a fort, which he called Ca- 
rolina, in honour of Charles IX., then king of France ; left a 
part of his men, and returned home. The men left behind 
soon after mutinied, killed their commander, built and equip- 
ped a vessel, and sailed for home. In their eagerness to return, 
they neglected to provide sufficient stores, and suffered on the 
voyage, the extremity of famine. At length they met an Eng- 
lish vessel, which carried a part of them to France, and the 
rest to England. This was the first attempt to plant a colony 
within the limits of the United States ; and it is worthy of re- 
mark, that to secure an asylum from religious persecution was 
the object in view. 

In 1564, Coligni made another attempt to plant a Protestant 
colony in America. Three ships were sent, under Laudonniere, 



THE UNITED STATES. 13 

who landed and built a fort on the banks of St. John's, in 
Florida. At first, the natives were friendly ; unjust treatment 
made them hostile ; but the French soon found a more potent 
enemy in the Spaniards. In 1565, the ferocious and bigoted 
Melendez, having received from the king of Spain a commission 
to subjugate and govern Florida, arrived with a strong force 
on the coast, and approached the French ships at anchor. lo 
the inquiry, who he was, and what were his objects, he re- 
plied, '* I am Melendez of Spain, sent with strict orders from 
my king to gibbet and behead all the Protestants in these re- 
gions. The Frenchman who is a Catholic I will spare ; every 
heretic shall die." The French fleet fled, and, though pursued, 
escaped. 

Melendez returned to the harbour of St. Augustine, went on 
shore, and, with the usual ceremonies, proclaimed Philip II. 
king of all North America. Ribaut, Avho had been sent out to 
take command of the French settlement, determined to put to 
sea and attack the Spaniards. A furious tempest arose, and 
wrecked every French ship on the Florida coast. Melendez, 
knowing the settlement on the St. John's was in a defenceless 
state, led his troops through forests and marshes to attack it. 
He surprised the garrison, and nearly two hundred men, wo- 
men, and children were killed. A few escaped into the woods. 
Of these, a part returned, gave themselves up, and were im- 
mediately massacred ; the others, after severe sufferings, found 
means to return to France. 

After the carnage was completed, mass was said, a cross 
raised, and a site for a church selected on ground still moist 
with the blood of a peaceful colony. — It is possible that these 
Spaniards were unconscious of the atrocity of their actions. 
It is possible that they believed that the religion of Christ jus- 
tified and required such enormities. How much of the guilt 
was theirs, and how much must be attributed to the ignorance 
and barbarism of the age, it is difficult to decide. 

The shipwrecked men were discovered, and, after a parley, 
capitulated, upon receiving what they understood to be a pro- 
mise of safety : " If they would surrender, and place them- 
selves at his mercy, he would do with them what God should 
give him grace to do." They were received by Melendez in 
divisions, and transported, in boats, across a river that sepa- 
rated the parties. In these divisions, with their hands tied, 
they were marched to St. Augustine, and, as they approached 
the fort, upon a signal given, -were massacred. A few Catho- 
lics were spared. The whole number butchered was said, by 
the French, to be nine hundred ; by the Spaniards, not so 
many. 

Dominic de Gourges, a bold soldier of Gascony, burning 
wjth the thirst of revenge, sold his property, obtained contri- 



l4 HISTORY OF 

butions from his friends, and equipping three ships, embarked 
for Florida. He gained possession of two forts near the mouth 
of the St. John, and a larger one near the site of the French 
colony. Not being able to keep possession of the country, 
and revenge being his only object, he hanged his prisoners 
upon trees, and returned to Europe. 

Soon after the return of De Gourges, a civil w^ar between 
the Catholics and Protestants broke out in France ; and Wal- 
ter Raleigh, then a young man, but afterwards distinguished 
in the history of England, abruptly left the university to learn 
the art of war under the veteran Coligni. He must have im- 
bibed from his leader and his companions the indignation ex- 
cited b}^ the massacre which De Gourges had avenged, and 
gathered from them some knowledge of Florida. It is known 
that he became acquainted with the painter De Morgues, who 
was one of those that escaped from the massacre. In 1578, 
Sir Humphrey Gilbert, the half brother of Raleigh, obtained, 
from Queen Elizabeth, a grant ot an}'' country which he might 
discover in America, and exclusive jurisdiction over it, pro- 
vided a plantation should be established within six years. 
He collected a company of volunteer adventurers, equipped a 
fleet, and put to sea; but one of his ships was lost, and mis- 
fortune compelled the remainder to return. In 1583, assisted 
by Raleigh, he equipped a second squadron, and sailed for 
America. On arriving before St. John, in Newfoundland, he 
found thirty-six vessels fishing in the harbour, which shows 
how early that place was known to be a good fishing station. 
Sailing south, his largest ship was wrecked off Wiscasset, and 
one hundred men lost their lives. He then determined to re- 
turn to England, and perished on the voyage home. 

In 1584, Raleigh, then the favourite of the queen, Avho had 
conferred on him the honour of knighthood, obtained a patent 
similar to that which had been granted to Sir Humphrey. 
The next year, he sent two ships, under the command of Cap- 
tains Amidas and Bai'low, to explore the country. In Jul}^. 
they landed on an island called Wocoken, in the inlet to Pam- 
lico Sound, then proceeded to the Island of Roanoke, at the 
mouth of Albemarle Sound, in North Carolina, and at both 
places were treated with great respect by the natives. Hav- 
ing freighted their ships with furs, sassafras, and (?fedar, they 
returned to England, where they published marvellous ac- 
counts of the beauty of the counti}^, the fertility of the soil, 
the mildness of the climate, and the innocence of the natives. 
The queen was so charmed Avith the description, that, as a 
memorial that the country had been discovered during the 
reign of a virgin (jueen, she called it Virginia. 

ThtM-ext year, UahMgh sent iVom England h fleet of ssevcij 
vessels, commanded by Sir Richard Grenville, and carrying 



THE UNITED STATES. 15 

upwards of one hundred persons, destined to begin a settle- 
ment. They were left under Ralph Lane, on Roanoke Island. 
The success of the Spaniards in finding gold in South America, 
led these adventurers to employ their time in a fruitless search 
for it here. In 1586, they were visited by Sir Francis Drake, 
who, at their request, conveyed them back to England. Lane 
carrying home a quantity of tobacco, the Indian custom of 
smoking it was adopted by Raleigh, a man of gaiety and 
fashion, and introduced at court. 

Soon after Drake departed, Grenville again arrived with 
provisions for the settlement. Finding it abandoned, he left 
fifteen men to keep possession of the country. In 1587, three 
other ships were sent to the same place ; but the men who 
had been left could not be found, having probably been mur- 
dered by the savages. On board these ships came John White, 
who had been appointed governor of the colony, eighty-nine 
men, and seventeen women. Of the women, one was Eleanor 
Dare, daughter of White, and wife of one of the magistrates. 
Soon after her arrival, she gave birth to a female child, which 
was named Virginia, and was the first child born in the 
United States of English parents. When the ships were ready 
to depart for England, the emigrants, becoming gloomy with 
apprehensions, besought White to return home, and hasten 
back with reenforcements and supplies. He at first refused 
to desert his post, but, after much importunity, consented and 
embarked. Soon after his arrival in England, Raleigh fitted 
out two vessels, in which he set sail for America, but was 
compelled to return ; and all England being then frantic with 
consternation at the approach of the Spanish Arnmda, the 
colony at Roanoke was forgotten. And when the Armada 
was defeated, Raleigh, having exhausted his means, was un- 
able to send assistance. Nearly three years elapsed before 
White returned ; and when he arrived at Roanoke, not one of 
the colonists was tliere. Whether they had been killed or 
captured by the Indians, or had voluntarily sought refuge 
from starvation among them, are questions which the imagi- 
nation has been tasked to decide, but tasked in vain. It is 
stated that Raleigh, at his own charge, sent five several times 
to search for his lost colonists ; but all search proved fruitless. 
These successive misfortunes withdrew, for several years, 
the attention of the English from these distant regions. In 
1G02, Bartliolomew Gosnold made a voyage to America. In- 
stead of taking the circuitous, but usual route, by the West 
India Islands, he steered directly west from England, short- 
ening the voyage at least one third, and arrived, in May^ on 
llu' coast (if JMaM5!ar]M]^(^ttH. He riincovered a headland, and 
taking n great quantity of codfish near it, cailed it CapM C'od. 
I'rocetding southwardly, he paeeed Gay Head, entered Bua- 



16 HISTORY OF 

zard's Bay, and upon an island within it erected a small fort, 
the ruins of which were visible so late as 1797. After trading 
a while with the Indians, he returned home. 

The report made by Gosnold revived the spirit of adventure. 
In 1603 and 16U5, two voyages were made in the same direc- 
tion, and Penobscot Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and the rivers 
between them, were discovered. The accounts given by the 
last navigators contirmed the report of Gosnold, and led to a 
more extensive scheme of colonization than had yet been at- 
tempted. 

Of this scheme, Mr. Richard Hakluyt was the most active 
promoter. By his persuasion an association of gentlemen, in 
different parts of the kingdom, was formed for the purpose of 
sending colonies to America. Upon their application to King 
James, he, by letters patent, dated in 1606, divided the coun- 
try of Virginia, then considered as extending from the southern 
boundary of North Carolina to the northern boundary of Maine, 
into two districts, and constituted two companies for planting 
colonies within them. 

The southern district he granted to Sir Thomas Gates and 
his associates, chiefly resident in London, and therefore styled 
the London Company. This district extended northward to 
the southern boundary of Maryland. The northern district he 
granted to Thomas Hanham and his associates, who were 
styled the Plymouth Company, probably because the principal 
members resided in that city. This district extended from 
near the southern boundary of New York to the Bay of Passa- 
maquoddy, a region intervening between the two distiicts, 
more than one hundred and fifty miles in width. The two 
districts were called South and North Virginia. The mem- 
bers of these companies were principally merchants : their 
objects were the extension of commerce and the discovery of 
mines of the precious metals, which were supposed to abound 
in North as well as South America. 

For the supreme government of the colonies, a grand coun- 
cil was instituted, the members of which were to reside in 
England, and to be appointed by the king. The subordinate 
jurisdiction was committed to a council in each colon)'', the 
members of which were to be appointed by the grand council 
in England, and to be governed by its instructions. To the 
emigrants and their descendants were secured* the enjoyment 
of all the rights; of denizcnis or citizens, in the same manner, 
-and to the same extent, as if they had remained or been born 
in England. 

By the French, many more voyages than have been men- 
tioned were made to the coast of North America. The Banks 
of Newfoundland were more fre(|uently visited by the hardy 
fishermen of Brittany and Normandy than by those of any 



THE UNITED STATES. 17 

other nation. In 1534, James Cartier discovered the St. 
Lawrence ; and in subsequent voyages ascended it to Mont- 
real, and built a fort at Quebec, In 1604, Henry IV. of France 
granted to the Sieur de Monts all the country between the 
40th and the 46th degrees of north latitude, or between New 
Jersey and Nova Scotia. By virtue of this grant, a settlement 
was made on the south-eastern side of the Bay of Fundy, at a 
place then, by the French, named Port Koyal, since, by the 
English, Annapolis. 

In 1608, Samuel Cham plain, sent out by a company of mer- 
chants at Dieppe and St. Malo, founded Quebec. The next 
year, he, with two other Europeans, joined a party of savages 
in an expedition against the Iroquois, ascended the Sorel, and 
explored the lake which bears his name. The settlements in 
Nova Scotia, then called Acadie, and in Canada, continually 
received additions to their population from France ; the French 
settlers mingled with the savages, and obtained over them an 
influence greater than those of any other nation ; and always 
when war existed between England and France, and some- 
times when it did not, incursions were made from those settle- 
ments and the adjoining wilderness into New England and 
New York. In these expeditions the homes of the frontier 
settlers were often burnt, their cattle killed, or driven away, 
and themselves, their wives and children massacred. 



CHAPTER II. 

HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 

During the 15th and IGth centuries, Europe witnessed a re- 
volution in the manners, opinions, and pursuits of its inhabi- 
tants, greater and more beneficial than ever occurred in the 
same period of time. The earliest and most efficient cause of 
this revolution was the discovery of the art of printing. How 
efficient this cause must have been, may be imagined by re- 
flecting to what depth of ignorance the world would soon 
sink were that discovery entirely and irretrievably lost. It 
carried light to the dark regions of the intellect, excited it to 
intense activity^ and multiplied rapidly and incessantly the 
number of those who claimed the privilege of becoming actors 
on the theatre of the world. The Reformation followed as a 
necessary effect, and became itself a cause propelling, with 
a more rapid motion, and extending, the revolution which had 
begun. The mariner's compass, which, although discovered 
about the year 1300, was, for a longtime, but little used, 
offered to instructed j-eason and daring enterprise the means 



18 HISTORY OF 

of safely and speedily visiting distant regions, and revived 
and gave energy to the spirit of commerce. It was fortunate 
for this part of America that, when the Old World began to 
pour itself upon the New, mankind had advanced, and was 
advancing, in the career of improvement, and that our shores 
were first settled by emigrants from that country in which im- 
provement had been greatest. 

The members of the London Company consisted principally 
of merchants; but connected with them were many distin- 
guished noblemen and several elegant scholars. In December, 
1606, they despatched three ships, having on board one hun- 
dred and five emigrants, destined to begin a settlement in 
South Virginia. Christopher Newport commanded the squad- 
ron, and he was accompanied by Captain Gosnold and other 
distinguished individuals ; some allured by curiosity, and some 
by the prospect of gain, to visit a country said to be inhabited 
by a new race of beings, and to abound in silver and gold. 

A sealed box was delivered to Newport, with directions 
that it should not be opened until twenty-four hours after the 
emigrants had landed in America. During the voyage, violent 
dissensions arose among the principal personages on board the 
squadron. Of most of them John Smith, one of the adven- 
turers, incurred the distrust and hatred. His superior talents, 
and the fame he had acquired by his exploits in war, excited 
their envy, and probably caused him to claim for himself 
greater deference than they were willing or bound to yield. 

In his youth he was a merchant's apprentice. At the age 
of fifteen, he quitted his master, travelled in Europe and 
Egypt, and enlisted in the army of Austria, then at war with 
the Turks. As a reward for a successful stratagem, he re- 
ceived the commission of captain ; and afterwards, in three 
personal combats with Turkish champions, he was victorious, 
at each time killing his adversary. Being taken prisoner in a 
subsequent battle, he was compelled to labour as a slave ; he 
killed his master, escaped, and, after again wandering over 
Europe, returned to England, became acquainted with Gos- 
nold, and was easily persuaded to embark in an expedition to 
a country he had not yet visited, in search of new scenes and 
new adventures. While yet at sea, he was accused of an in- 
tention to murder the council, usurp the government, and 
make himself king of Virginia ; and upon this absurd accusa- 
tion was put in confinement. 

The place of their destination was the disastrous position 
at Roanoke. A storm fortunately drove them to the mouth of 
Chesapeake Bay, which they entered on the 26th of April, 
1607. Discovering a large and beautiful river, they gave it 
the name of James River, ascended it, and on its banks had 
several interviews with the natives. In one of these a chief 



THE UNITED STATES. 19 

came forward, holding in one hand his bow and arrows, in 
the other a pipe of tobacco, and demanded the cause of their 
coming. They made signs of peace, and were received as 
friends. Paspiha, another chief, when informed of their wish 
to settle in the country, offered them as much land as they 
wanted, and sent them a deer for their entertainment. 

On the 13th of May, they debarked at a place which they 
called Jamestown. On opening the sealed box, it was found 
to contain the names of the council and instructions for their 
guidance. In the list were the names of Gosnold, Smith, 
Wingfield, and Newport. Wingfield was elected president, 
and a vote was passed excluding Smith from his seat at the 
board. He was, however, released from confinement. 

The whole country was then a wilderness, in which a few 
Indians roamed in pursuit of their enemies, or of wild beasts 
for food. In colour they were darker than the European, but 
not so black as the negro. They possessed all the vices and 
virtues of the savage state ; were cunning in stratagem, fero- 
cious in battle, cruel to their conquered enemies, kind and 
hospitable to their friends. They had no written language ; 
they were unacquainted with the use of iron and the other 
metals ; their weapons of war, were a bow and arrows, a 
stone hatchet, which they called a tomahawk, and a club. 
They lived principally by hunting, but sometimes cultivated 
small patches of Indian corn. 

While the men were busy in felling timber, and providing 
freight for the ships, Newport, Smith, and twenty others as- 
cended James River, and visited the Indian chieftain Pow- 
hatan, at his principal seat, just below Ifce present site of 
Richmond. The savages murmured at this intrusion of 
strangers ; but Powhatan restrained and soothed them. About 
the middle of June, the ships returned to England, leaving the 
emigrants to contend with difficulties greater than they had 
foreseen. They were weak in numbers, without habits of in- 
dustry, and surrounded by distrusting neighbours. The sum- 
mer heats were intolerable, and the moisture of the climate 
generated disease. At one time, nearly all were sick. Pro- 
visions were scanty ; much of what they had brought with 
them was damaged ; and it was too late to sow or plant. Be- 
fore autumn, fifty perished, and among them Gosnold, the pro- 
jector of the settlement. 

These dreadful distresses led them to reflect upon their situ- 
ation and conduct. Having become sensible of their injustice, 
to Smith, they had, at his request, granted him a trial, which 
resulted in an honourable acquittal. His persflj^l talents and 
activity now enforced, in adversity, the s^R regard and 
deference which, in prosperous times, are yielded only to offi- 
cial station. By his advice, a fort was erected to protect them 



20 HISTORY OF 

from the attacks of the Indians. To procure provisions and 
explore the country, he made frequent and distant excursions 
into the wilderness. In one of these, he seized an Indian idol 
made of skins stuffed with moss, for the redemption of which 
as much corn was brought him as he required. Sometimes he 
procured supplies by caresses, sometimes by purchase, and 
when these means failed of success, he scrupled not to resort 
to stratagem and violence. 

At this period, the South Sea, now called the Pacific Ocean 
had been discovered ; and the colonists were instructed to seek 
a communication with it by ascending some stream which 
flowed from the north-west. This instruction must have been 
given on the presumption that no great distance intervened be- 
tween the Atlantic and the Pacific. The Chickahominyfiowed 
from the north-west ; and Smith, to fulfil those instructions, 
ascended it as far as it was navigable with boats, and then 
proceeded on foot. He was surprised by Indians, two of his 
men killed, and himself made prisoner. His exulting captors 
conducted him in triumph through several towns, to their king, 
Powhatan. At the end of six weeks, their chiefs assembled to 
deliberate on his fate. They decided that he should die. He 
was led forth to execution ; his head was placed upon a stone, 
and an Indian stood near with a club, the instrument of death. 
At this instant, Pocahontas, the young and favourite daughter 
of the king, appeared, and rushing between the executioner 
and the prisoner, folded his head in her arms, and entreated 
her father to spare his life. Powhatan relented, directed Smith 
to be conducted to his wigwam, or hut, and soon afterwards 
sent him, escorted|J9y twelve guides, to Jamestown. 

On his arrival there, he found the number of settlers reduced 
to thirty-eight ; and most of these had determined to abandon 
the country. By persuasions and threats, he induced a ma- 
jority to relinquish their design. The remainder, more reso- 
lute, went on board a small vessel in the river. Against these 
he instantly directed the guns of the fort, when, to avoid the 
danger of being sunk, they hastened back to their companions. 

Sustaining now a high reputation among the Indians, he 
obtained from them occasional supplies of provisions, which 
preserved the colony from famine. The Princess Pocahontas, 
also, remembering him whose life she had saved, frequently 
sent him such articles as were most needed. The settlers were 
thus enabled to subsist until Captain Newport, who had re- 
turned to England, again arrived at Jamestown, with a quan- 
tity of provisions, and one hundred and twenty persons, who 
came to reside in the colony. 

All danger l^^g in appearance over, the emigrants no longer 
submitted to the authority nor listened to the advice of Smith, 
pisof der and confusion followed ; and about this time, that 



THE UNITED STATES. 21 

raging passion for gold, which first impelled Europeans to re- 
sort to this country, was again excited. In a stream north, of 
Jamestown, a glittering earth was discovered, which was sup- 
posed to be gold dust. " Immediately," says Stith, in his His- 
tory, " there was no thought, no discourse, no hope, and no 
work, but to dig gold, wash gold, refine gold, and load gold." 
And notwithstanding the remonstrances of Smith, a ship was 
freighted with this worthless commodity and sent to England. 

Disgusted at the follies which he had vainly opposed, and 
unwilling to be idle. Smith set out on an expedition to explore 
the coasts of Chesapeake Bay. After an absence of seven 
weeks, in which he examined all the inlets and rivers as far as 
the mouth of the Rappahannock, he returned to Jamestown to 
procure a supply of provisions. He found the people discon- 
tented and turbulent. Believing that the president had squan- 
dered the public property, they deposed him, and having in 
vain urged Smith to accept the office, they elected his friend, 
Mr. Scrivener, vice-president. 

Remaining but three days at Jamestown, he again de- 
parted to complete his undertaking. He visited all the coun- 
tries on both shores ; he ascended the Potomac, and passed 
Mount Vernon, and the site of Washington city ; he traded 
with some tribes, fought with others, and left among all the 
highest admiration of his own character and of that of his na- 
tion. In both voyages he sailed nearly three thousand miles. 
He published an account of the tribes he visited, and of the 
territory he explored, and constructed a map of the country, 
upon which all subsequent delineations and descriptions have 
been formed. 

Upon his return, he was chosen president, and consented to 
accept the office. Under his administration habits of industry 
and subordination were formed, and peace and plenty smiled 
upon the colony. Again, in IGOS, Newport arrived at James- 
town, and brought with him seventy emigrants, among whom 
were two females, Mrs. Forrest, and Ann Burras, her maid. 
Soon after, the latter was married to John Lay don ; and this, 
it is said, was the first marriage of Europeans celebrated in 
Virginia. 

The attention of the English nation, and especially of many 
of its eminent men, had been attracted to the colony, and they 
felt a lively sorrow for its misfortunes. Many more of the 
gentry and nobility, anxious for its success, became members 
of the company ; and in 1 609, at the request of the corporation, 
a new charter was granted. This gave to the stockholders 
themselves, instead of the king, the power to choose the grand 
council in England. This council were empowered to appoint 
a governor and other necessary officers, and to make laws for 
the government of the colony, not contrary to tlie laws of 



22 HISTORY OF 

England. The colonists were declared to be entitled to all 
the rights of natural subjects. And to the corporation was 
granted the absolute property of all the land on the coast, two 
hundred miles north, and the same distance south, of Point 
Comfort, and " up into the land, throughout, from sea to sea, 
west and north-west." 

The grand council appointed Lord Delaware governor, and 
despatched to Virginia nine ships, carrying five hundred emi- 
grants, under the command of Newport, who, with Sir Thomas 
Gates and Sir George Somers, was commisioned to administer 
the affairs of the colony until the arrival of Lord Delaware. 
The vessel carrying the three commissioners was stranded on 
the rocks of the Bermudas ; another was sunk ; and seven only 
arrived in Virginia. 

A great part of those who came in these vessels " were un- 
ruly sparks, packed off by their friends to escape worse des- 
tinies at home. IMan}'" were poor gentlemen, broken trades- 
men, rakes, and libertines, footmen, and such others as were 
much fitter to spoil and ruin a commonwealth than to help to 
raise or maintain one." They brought information that the 
old charter was abrogated ; and as no one in the settlement 
had authority from the new corporation, they assumed the 
power of disposing of the government, conferring it sometimes 
on one and sometimes on another. 

This state of confusion had not continued long, when Smith, 
with the decision that belongs to vigorous minds, determined 
that his own authority was not legally revoked until the arri- 
val of the new commision, and resumed, with a strong hand, 
the reins of government. He boldly imprisoned the leaders of 
the sedition, and restored for a time regularity and obedience. 

The Indians, jealous of the increasing power of the strangers 
who had invaded their country, concerted a plot to destroy 
them. Pocahontas, the constant friend of Virginia, hastened 
in a dark and dreary night, to Jamestown, and informed 
Smith of his danger. Measures of precaution were instantly 
taken. The Indians, perceiving that their design was disco- 
vered, again brought presents of peace to the English. 

Soon after, Smith, having received by accident a severe 
wound, returned to England to procure the aid of a surgeon. 
Disastrous consequences followed. The Indians, learning that 
the man whom they dreaded most had left the colony, attacked 
it with united forces. A dreadful famine ensued. To such 
extremity were the settlers reduced, that they devoured the 
skins of the horses, the bodies of the Indians whom they had 
killed, and at last those of their own companions, who had 
sunk under accumulated miseries. These tremendous suffer- 
ings were recollected long afterwards with horror, and the 



THE UNITED STATES. 23 

period was remembered and distinguished by the name of the 

" STARVING TIME." 

In six months, the colony, from five hundred persons, was 
reduced to sixty ; and these were exceedingly feeble and de- 
jected. In this situation they were visited by those who had 
been shipwrecked at Bermudas. All immediately determined 
to return to England. For this purpose, the remnant of the 
colony embarked on board the ships just arrived, and sailed 
down the river. Fortunately they were met by Lord Dela- 
ware, who, having brought with him a supply of provisions, 
persuaded them to return to Jamestown. 

All were impressed with a deep sense of the dispensations 
of Providence, in which grievous sufferings had been tempered 
by saving mercies. After the solemn exercises of religion. 
Lord Delaware caused his commission to be read. Faction 
was hushed by the lenity of his administration and the dignity 
of his virtues. The colonists, who, it must be remembered, 
were but servants of the company, performed their tasks with 
alacrity. In the morning they assembled in the little church, 
which was kept neatly trimmed with the wild flowers of the 
country ; next, they returned to their houses to receive their 
allowance of food. The appointed hours of labour were from 
six in the morning till ten, and from two in the afternoon till 
four. Affluence began to return, and the Indians were again 
taught to respect and fear the English. 

But the health of Lord Delaware failing, he returned to 
England, and was soon after succeeded by Sir Thomas Dale. 
The colony at this time consisted of about two hundred men. 
The new governor, on the recurrence of disorderly conduct, 
proclaimed martial law, which was rigidly enforced. He 
wrote home for new recruits. " Let me," said he, " commend 
unto your carefulness the pursuit of this business. Take four 
of the best kingdoms in Christendom, and put them all to- 
gether, they may no way compare with this 'country, either 
for commodities or goodness of soil." Sir Thomas Gates was 
sent over with six ships, three hundred emigrants, and one 
hundred head of cattle ; and he was also appointed to succeed 
Governor Dale. 

In the same year, (1612,) anew charter was granted, by 
which it was ordained that quarterly general courts, or meet- 
ings of all the stockholders, should be held in London, in 
which all affairs of importance should be determined, and 
weekly meetings for the transaction of common business. A 
license to draw lotteries was also granted ; and from this 
source twenty-nine thousand pounds were recei\'ed into the 
treasury of the company. 

In 1612, Captain Argal, having learned, while on a trading 
voyage to the Potomac, that Pocahontas was in the neigh- 



24 HISTORY OF 

bourhood, visited and persuaded her to go on board his vessel* 
He treated her respectfully, but detained and carried her to 
Jamestown. He presumed that the possession of Pocahontas 
would give the English an ascendancy over Powhatan, who 
was known to feel a strong attachment to his daughter. In 
this, however, he was disappointed. Powhatan, noble by na- 
ture, felt indignant at this instance of treachery in the English. 
He offered a ransom for his daughter, but refused to consent 
to any terms of peace until she was restored. 

During her stay at Jamestown, her beauty, her artless sim- 
plicity, and those graces of manner which ever accompanj'- 
dignity of mind and innocence of heart, won the affections of 
Mr. Rolfe, a young and respectable planter. He succeeded in 
producing a reciprocal attachment. They were married with 
the consent of Powhatan. The consequence of this marriage 
was peace with her father, and with all the tribes who stood 
in awe of his power. 

Rolfe and his princess made a voyage to. England, where 
she was received by the king and queen with the attention 
due to her rank. For her virtues, and her disinterested ser- 
vices, she was universally beloved and respected. She died 
when about to return to America, leaving one son, from 
whom are descended some of the most respectable families in 
Virginia. 

In 1613, Captain Argal was sent, with a naval force, to 
drive the French from the settlements they had begun in 
Acadie, which were considered to be within the limits of 
North Virginia. He accomplished the object of the expedi- 
tion, and, when returning, visited a Dutch trading settlement 
on Hudson's river, which was also within the same limits. 
The governor, too feeble to resist, acknowledged himself sub- 
ject to the king of England. 

The king, in Jiis instructions given at the time of the first 
emigration to Jamestown, directed that all the land should be 
owned in common, and that the produce of the labour of all 
should be deposited in the public stores. In such circum- 
stances no one would labour with the same steadiness and 
animation as if he, and he alone, was to possess and enjoy the 
fruit of his industry. A different regulation was now adopted. 
To each inhabitant three acres of land were assigned in full 
property, and he was permitted to employ in the cultivation 
of it, a certain portion of his time. The effects of this altera- 
tion were immediately visible, and demonstrated so clearly its 
wisdom, that, soon after, another assignment of fifty acres 
was made ; and the plan of working in a common field, to fill 
the public stores, was entirely abandoned. 

Since the year 1611, the colony had been governed by mar- 
tial law, which was administered by Deputy- Governor Argal 



THE UNITED STATES. 25 

with SO much rigour as to excite universal discontent. The 
council, in England, listening to the complaints of the Virgi- 
nians, appointed Mr. Yeardly governor, and instructed him to 
inquire into and redress their wrongs. He arrived in April, 
1619, and immediately, to the great joy of the inhabitants, 
called a general assembly of the colony. It met at James- 
town, on the 19th of June, and was composed of delegates 
from the boroughs, then amounting to seven. They, the go- 
vernor, and the council, sat and deliberated in the same apart- 
ment, and acted as one body. The laws they enacted could 
not be offeree until ratified by the company in England ; but 
this participation in the legislative power gratified the colo- 
nists ; they forgot their griefs, and ceased to complain. Two 
years afterwards, the company passed an ordinance establish- 
ing a written constitution for the colony. It provided that 
the governor and a permanent council should be appointed by 
the corporation ; that a general assembly should be convened 
yearly, to consist of the council and two delegates from each 
of the boroughs or plantations. No law was to be valid un- 
less approved by the governor and ratified by the company. 
With great liberality it was also conceded that no regulations 
of the company should bind the colonists unless ratified by the 
general assembly. 

Emigrants continued to arrive frequently from England, but 
nearly all were men, who came for the purpose of obtaining 
wealth, and intended eventually to return. With such views, 
they were evidently less useful to the colony than if they 
should be induced to regard it as their home, and as the abode 
of their posterity. To produce this desirable attachment to 
the country, ninety girls of spotless character jrere sent 
over, at the expense of the company, in the year 1 620, and 
sixty more in the subsequent year. The company required 
that, when married to planters not in the service of the corpo- 
ration, the husbands should pay the expense of transportation, 
which was first established at one hundred, and afterwards at 
one hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco, then selling at three 
shillings the pound ; and it was ordained that debts contracted 
for wives should be paid in preference to all others. 

About the same time, another measure of a different cha- 
cacter was adopted. The company were ordered by the king 
to transport to Virginia one hundred idle and dissolute per- 
sons then in custody for their offences. They were distributed 
through the colonies, as labourers. Being removed from the 
temptations which surrounded them in England, and furnished 
with constant employment, they abandoned their vicious 
course, and many became useful and respectable citizens. Af- 

B 



26 HISTORY OF 

terwards, banishment to the plantations was not an uncom- 
mon punishment for minor offences. 

As the company defrayed all the expenses of settling the 
colony, they reserved the exclusive right of carrying on its 
commerce. In 1620, they relinquished this monopoly. The 
free competition produced by this change was advantageous 
to the colony ; but in the absence of restriction, a traffic was 
introduced disgraceful to civilization, and now afflicting the 
soul with the constant fear of the terrible visitations of retri- 
butive justice. A Dutch vessel brought into James River 
twenty Africans, who were immediately purchased as slaves. 

It is a fact, of sufficient importance to be recorded, that the 
first attempt to cultivate cotton, now the principal article of 
export from the republic, was made in the year 1621. The 
seeds were planted as an experiment, and their " plentiful 
coming up" was a subject of interest both in America and in 
England. 

The colony was now in the full tide of prosperity. Its num- 
bers had greatly increased, and its settlements were widely 
extended. At peace with the Indians, it reposed with perfect 
security, and enjoyed without alloy all the happiness which its 
fortunate situation and favourable prospects afforded. It was 
doomed to experience a reverse of fortune, sudden, distress- 
ing and terrible. 

Powhatan, the friend of the English, was dead. Opecan- 
canougli, a chief endowed with all those qualities which give 
rank and reputation to an Indian warrior, had succeeded him 
in his influence and power, but he was the secret and implac- 
able enemy of the whites. By his art and eloquence, he 
united all the neighbouring tribes in the horrible design of 
destroyii^ every man, woman, and child in the English set- 
tlements. 

The plan was concerted and matured with all the secrecy 
and dissimulation which characterise all the savages. While 
intent on their plot, they visited the settlements, lodged in the 
houses, bought arms of the English, and even borrowed their 
boats to enable them to accomplish their barbarous purpose. 
On the evening before the fatal day, they brought them presents 
of game, and the next morning came freely among them, be- 
having as usual. Suddenly, precisely at midnight, the IdIow 
fell, at the same instant, upon the unsuspecting settlers; and 
three hundred and forty-seven men, women, and children were 
victims to savage treachery and cruelty. 

The massacre would have been more extensive had not a 
domesticated Indian, residing in one of the villages, revealed 
the plot to his master, whom he had been solicited to murder. 
Information was instantly given to some of the nearest settle- 



THE UNlTEp I^TATES. |J 

ments, and just in time to save them from the calamity which 
fell upon the others. 

The horrid spectacle before them roused the English from 
repose to vengeance. A vindictive and exterminating war 
succeeded. The whites were victorious, destroying many of 
their enemies, and obliging the remainder to retire into the 
wilderness. But their own number melted away before the 
miseries of war; their settlements were reduced from eighty 
to eight, and famine again visited them with its afflicting 
scourge. In 1624, out of nine thousand persons, who had 
been sent from England, but eighteen hundred existed in the 
colony. 

These continual misfortunes furnished to King James a pre- 
text for interfering in the concerns of the company. It con- 
tained many men of rank and talents, some belonging to the 
court and some to the country party ; and they were accus- 
tomed, in their meetings, to discuss the measures of the crown 
with all the freedom of a popular body. Several attempts 
which he had made to controul the decisions of the company 
had rieen defeated. He now gave them notice that unless 
they should surrender their charter, a suit would be instituted 
to dissolve the corporation. They refused to surrender it ; a 
suit was instituted ; and the court of King's Bench, in 1624, 
dissolved the corporation, and all its powers were revested in 
the crown. 

The king thereupon issued a special commission appointing 
a governor and twelve councillors, to whom the entire direc- 
tion of the colony was committed. He began to prepare a 
code for the colony, but died before he had completed it. His 
successor, Charles 1., appointed Sir George Yeardly governor, 
to whom, and to his council, he committed the whole legis- 
lative and executive power, and instructed them to conform 
exactly to such orders as should be received from him. They 
were empowered to seize the property of the late company, and 
apply it to the public use ; and to transport accused colonists 
to England, to be punished there for crimes committed in 
Virginia. The king also exacted a monopoly of the trade in 
tobacco, — almost the only article of export from the colony, — 
and appointed agents to whose management it was entirely 
intrusted. 

Under such arbitrary regulations the people lived and suf- 
fered until the year 1636. Sir John Harvey then held the 
office of governor. He was haughty, rapacious, unfeeling, and 
fitted, by his disposition, to exercise power in the spirit of his 
instructions. The council " thrust him out of office," and ap- 
pointed Captain John West to officiate until the king's plea- 
sure should be known. And they sent to England two depu- 
ties to represent to the king the grievances of the colony ard 



28 HISTORY OF 

the governor's misconduct. Harvey consented to go, also, 
and there meet his accusers. 

The king, indignant that his officer should be thus treated 
by his colonial subjects, received the deputies sternly, and 
sent back the governor invested with all his former powers. 
He was, however, superseded, in 1639, by the appointment of 
Sir Francis Wyatt ; and in 1641, Sir William Berkeley was 
appointed governor. He was respectable for his rank and 
abilities, and distinguished by his integrity and the mildness 
of his temper. At this time, dissension existed between the 
king and the parliament ; and soon after the civil war began, 
which, continuing several years, ended in the execution of the 
king, and the establishment of the commonwealth, with Crom- 
well for Protector of its liberties. Daring this war, many 
Cavaliers, as the adherents of the king were called, sought 
refuge from danger in Virginia, or repaired thither after being 
ruined by misfortunes and casualties inseparable fram civil 
commotions. Nearly the whole of the population entertained 
the same religious opinions as themselves, and they found in 
Berkeley a man of courtly manners and congenial political 
sentiments ; and so popular was he with all the people, and 
so judicious and correct was his administration of public 
affairs, that the colonists, through all the troubles in Eng- 
land, adhered to the royal cause, and continued faithful even- 
after the king was dethroned, and his son driven into exile. 

Virginia was not free from the intolerant spirit of the age. 
In 1 643, it was specially ordered that no minister should preach, 
or teach, publicly or privately, except in conformity to the 
constitutions of the Church of England, and non-conformists 
were banished from the colony. Certain ministers of Boston, 
having come by invitation to Virginia, to preach to Puritan 
congregations there, were silenced by those in authority, and 
compelled to leave the country. 

In 1649, Charles the First was beheaded,, and the house of 
lords suppressed. The house of commons, now exercising the 
supreme power of England, was not disposed to permit its 
authority to be questioned in Virginia. In 1652, a fleet, 
under Sir George Ayscue, was sent to reduce it to obedience. 
Berkeley collected a force to resist this fleet ; but foreseeing 
that resistance would be unavailing, he agreed to capitulate, 
and obtained the most favourable terms for himself and the 
colony. Retiring from all public affairs, he lived beloved 
and respected by the people. Richard Bennett, who, under 
the administration of Berkeley, had been compelled to leave 
Virginia, and who had now returned in the fleet, was chosen 
governor by the assembly. 

So long as the house of commons and the Protector re- 
tained the control over England, Virginia appears to have 



THE UNITED STATES. Z9 

been ruled by governors professing the same political prin- 
ciples ; yet no public demonstation was made of attachment 
to Cromwell. Churchmen and Cavaliers, unwilling to remain 
where their adversaries in religion as well as politics reigned 
triumphant, continued to flock to the colony. Virginia was, 
therefore, less favoured by the paramount government than 
New England, whose inhabitants, like the predominant party 
in Great Britain, were republicans in politics and Puritans in 
religion. At length the sudden death of Governor Matthews 
in March, 1660, afforded the adherents of the royal cause a 
favourable opportunity, which they gladly seized, to invite 
Berkeley to resume the authority of gove^^nor. He was 
elected by the assembly, accepted the office, and Charles II., 
who was restored and proclaimed king a few months after- 
wards, immediately sent him a royal commission. He was 
instructed to summon an assembly, and to give assurance of 
the king's intention to grant pardon to all who were not at- 
tainted by parliament, provided all acts passed during the re- 
bellion, derogating from the obedience due to the king, should 
be repealed. 

The assembly, when met, proceeded to revise the laws, 
assigning, as a motive, their wish " to expunge all unneces- 
sary acts, and chiefly such as might keep in memory their 
forced deviation from his majesty's obedience." The Church 
of England was established by law^ and no one was per- 
mitted to preach unless ordained % some bishop in England. 
The day of the execution of Charles I. was ordered to be kept 
as a fast, and the anniversaries of the birth and of the restora- 
tion of Charles II. to be celebrated as holy-days. Other laws, 
regulating the interior affairs of the colony, were passed; 
among which was one to encourage the manufacture of silk. 
Every person was enjoined to plant a number of mulberry 
trees proportioned to his quantity of land; and a premium of 
fifty pounds of tobacco was promised for every pound of silk 
manufactured. 

An act was also passed ordaining that all Quakers should 
be banished from the colony; and that those who should ob- 
stinately persist in returning, should be prosecuted as felons. 
In 1663, John Porter, one of the burgesses, was represented 
to the assembly as being " loving to the Quakers." He con- 
fessed he was well affected towards them ; upon which the 
oaths of allegiance and supremacy were tendered to him, 
which he refused to take, and was expelled. 

Charles II., with characteristic ingratitude, neglected the 
interests of the colony which had been faithful to him beyond 
all others. He imposed restrictions upon its commerce, and 
granted to his favourites large tracts of land which belonged 
to the colony. Exorbitant taxes were levied^ and the avails 



M 



HISTORY 01" 



appropriated to pay extravagant salaries, or foolishly squan- 
dered. The people feecame discontented and clamorous ; and 
rumours of Indian hostilities, from which the government 
took no active measures to defend them, induced them to 
take up arms, which they felt as well disposed to use to re- 
lieve themselves from oppression as to resist or attack the 
savages. 

In this state of excitement and alarm, the people looked 
around for a leader ; and their attention was soon fixed upon 
Nathaniel Bacon. He was young, had been educated in Lon- 
don as a lawyer, had recently emigrated to Virginia, and es- 
tablished himself on a plantation near Richmond. He soon 
became distinguished for his eloquence, activity, and talents ; 
and though "popularly inclined," and for that reason dis- 
trusted by the governor, was, after a short residence in the 
colony, appointed a member of the council. He partook of 
the general excitement, mingled with the people, and was 
chosen their leader. He immediately communicated to the 
governor all the circumstances attending his election, and re- 
quested that a commission might be issued confirming it. In 
expectation of receiving this commission, he collected about 
six hundred men, and marched at their head against the In- 
dians. But the governor, instead of granting the commission, 
issued a proclamation commanding the insurgents to disperse, 
on pain of being punished as traitors ; and he moreover sum- 
riioned to his standard such%ien as were yet faithful, and pur- 
sued them. He had not proceeded far when intelligence over- 
took him of a formidable insurrection in the neighbourhood of 
Jamestown. He returned to the capital, and there found that 
the inhabitants of the central and lower countries had risen in 
arms, and, under the command of Ingram and "Walklate, were 
exercising the powers of government. 

The haughty spirit of the governor was compelled to stoop 
to concession. He granted some of the demands of the in- 
surgents, dissolved the old assembly, which had become un- 
popular, and issued writs for a new election. In this election, 
the malcontents were succeesful, — a strong proof that the 
people were suffering under oppression, — and Bacon himself 
was chosen a member from Henrico. In the mean time, he 
had surprised some of the suspected Indians, and made them 
prisoners; and hearing, on" his return, of the insurrection at 
Jamestown, he left his army, and set out, with a few fol- 
lowers, for that place, hoping to procure the recall of the pro- 
clamation. On his way, he was taken prisoner, and sent as 
such to Jamestown. 

The new assembly was then in session, and Bacon was 
surrounded by his friends. The proclamation was recalled, 
and Bacon admitted to his seat in the council ; but the go- 



THE UNITED STATES. 31 

vernor refused to grant him the commission of general. Fear- 
ing treachery, he secretly withdrew, collected and harangued 
the people, and in a few days rea})peared in the city at the 
head of live hundred men. The governor advancing towards 
the troops, and baring his breast, cried, ^' A fair mark ! shoot !" 
*■' I Avill not," said Bacon, " hurt a hair of your head, nor of 
any man's ; we are come for the commission, to save our lives 
from the Indians." The governor at length yielded, signed 
the commission, and Bacon and his followers again prepared 
to march against the savages. 

A transient calm succeeded ; but when the troops were on 
the point of marching, the wounded pride of the governor im- 
pelled him to issue another proclamation, denouncing Bacon as 
a traitor. Bacon then reque*ted the people to meet in con- 
vention at Williamsburg, to devise means to rescue the colony 
from the tyranny of Berkeley. The convention met, many 
distinguished men attending it, and an oath was taken 
by all i)resent to assist (Jeneral Bacon, not only in his 
war with the Indians, but against all his enemies. He and 
his troops then marched into the country of the savages, 
met them near the fiills of James River, attacked and defeated 
them. 

In the mean time, the governor, who had retired to Acco- 
mac, gained, by stratagem, possession of several armed ves- 
sels which lay in the river, and collected a force of six hun- 
dred men, with which he resolved to recover his former autho- 
rity. He entered the capital without difficulty ; but Bacon, 
returning from his Indian expedition, compelled him to aban- 
don it. He then set it on tire, and it was wholly consumed . 
Berkeley returned to Accomac. Bacon dismissed his followers, 
exacting from them a promise to return to his standard on the 
first notice of any new attempt of the governor to disturb the 
public tran(piillity. Shortly aftervi^ards ho was taken sick 
and died ; and, no person being found among the insurgents 
qualified to sui)])ly his place as the general of an army or as a 
popular leader, they laid down their arms and dispersed. 

Governor Berkeley again assumed the su])reme authority, 
and finding the rebels in his power, pursued them with un- 
sparing rigour. His nature seems to have been changed ; no- 
thing gave him so much delight as the sufferings of his defence- 
less victims. Many were tried by courts martial and exe- 
cuted. The assembly at length interfered, praying him to 
stop the work of death, and enacted laws which gradually 
restored tranciuillity. Soon after, Sir William returned to 
England, expecting- to receive the applause of his sovereign, 
with whom he had been a favourite ; but he received censure 
for his cruelty, which inflicted so deep a wound as to cause 
his death a few months after he landed. His authority de- 



32 HMTORY OF 

volved upon Colonel Jefireys, the lieutenant-governor, by 
whom peace was concluded with the Indians ; and thus was 
removed one of the causes which prevented the prosperity of 
the colony. 

Just after the execution of Charles I., a grant was made to 
a company of Cavaliers of that part of Virginia called the 
Northern Neck; in 1669, this grant was surrendered, and 
another issued for the same territory to Lord Culpei)per, who 
had purchased the shares of the company ; and in 1673, Charles 
II., with thoughtless prodigality, made to the same lord, and 
to the earl of Arlington, the lavish grant of " all the dominion 
of land and water called Virginia," for the full term of 
thirty-one years. These grants were among the causes of the 
discontent which preceded Bacon's rebellion. Lord Culpepjier, 
represented as one of the most cunning and covetous men in 
England, was afterwards appointed governor for life, and ar- 
rived in the colony early in the year 1680. He persuaded the 
assembly, at its first session, to pass an act imposing a perpe- 
tual export duty of two shillings a hogshead on tobacco, the 
proceeds to be applied to the support of government, and to 
be accounted for, not to the assembly, but to the king. Thus 
was the colony deprived of the strongest safeguard of liberty, 
and the most efficient check to the tyranny of rulers. 

Lord Culpepper was not less careful of his own interests 
than of those of the crown. The salary of governor was be- 
fore one thousand pounds ; for him, being a peer, it was 
doubled ; and an additional grant of one hundred and sixty 
pounds was made for house-rent. After spending the summer 
thus profitably in Virginia, he embarked, in August, for 
London. 

The price of tobacco, the chief product of the colony, was 
continually falling ; the taxes were continually increasing ; of 
course, distress was felt, and murmurs followed. To remedy 
the evil of the depreciation of tobacco, the project was dis- 
cussed of uniting with Maryland in forbidding the planting of 
it for one year. As this could not be effected in time, bands 
of people visited different parts of the colony, and destroyed 
the young plants, when it was too late to replace them. It 
cannot be doubted that severe suffering drove the people to 
this violation of law, as absurd as it was criminal. Several 
of these plant-cutters, as they were called, were tried, con- 
victed, and hung. 

At the command of the king, Lord Culpepper returned to 
the colony ; he restored quiet, not by granting relief, but by 
increase of severity. Again leaving the colony, and neglecting 
for some time to return to it, his commission was taken from 
him, and Lord Howard of Effingham was appointed his suc- 
cessor. The Virginians hoped to derive benefit from the 



THE UNITED STATED. 37 

change, but were disappoined. Lord Howard, like most 
of the governors sent from England to the colonies, came, not 
to promote the prosperity of liis people, but to retrieve his 
fortune, or to gratify his avarice ; and his conduct was in con- 
formity with his views. 

But yet Virginia continued to increase in population, and 
doubtless also in wealth. The climate was agreeable, the 
land fertile, and various causes impelled various classes of 
people — the unfortunate, the oppressed, the dissatisfied, and 
the adventurous — to repair thither. Under James II., many, 
convicted of political offences, and many rogues and pilferers, 
were transported to the colony, and indented to the planters. 
In 1688, the population was estimated at 60,000. Nearly all 
of these were actual labourers ; and labour upon a virgin soil 
yielded rich returns. 

The people, even at this late period, did not live in towns 
nor villages: a cluster of three houses was not often witnessed. 
They dwelt in lonely cottages scattered along the streams, or 
on pathways rather than roads. These cottages were of wood, 
often of logs, and most of them without windows of glass. 
Visits were made in boats or on horseback, and the traveller 
paid his expenses, when he paid any thing, in tobacco. Many 
parishes were a day's journey in extent; and numbers lived 
so remote from churches that they seldom visited them. No 
schools existed ; learning was therefore a distinction confined 
to the few who had been educated in England, or who had 
parents able and willing to perform the task of teacher. No 
printing-press was allowed ; few books were accessible ; no 
newspaper came daily or weekly to enliven the monotony of 
the family, to enlighten the intellect, nor to cherish the noble 
or excite the baneful passions. A few of the planters -were 
wealthy, and, surrounded by indented servants and slaves, 
lived like feudal barons. The lofty spirit of the colonists often 
impelled them to resist oppression when it became intolerable ; 
but their veneration for the monarch and the church blinded 
them to the encroachments of power, and led them to surren- 
der, without knowing it, the surest safeguards of liberty. 

From this time to the commencement of the French war of 
1756, an account of which will be found in a subsequent chap- 
ter, but few events occurred in the colony of sufficient import- 
ance to luid a place in history. Its position, remote from the 
settlements of the French in Canada, and of the Spaniards in 
Florida, was favourable to its quiet. New England and New 
York on the one hand, Georgia and the Carolinas on the other, 
protected it from savage incursions. Its affairs were adminis- 
tered by governors appointed by the king, and representatives 
chosen by the people. 



34 Distort or 

The laudable efforts of these representatives to arrest the 
progress of slavery in the colony, ought not to be passed over 
in silence. Convinced of its inluunanity, and forseeing the 
dreadful evils >vhicli it must produce, tliey often passed laws 
prohibiting tlie importation of slaves ; but those who were 
h.ir^ier in authority, yic^lding to the wishes of merchants en- 
gaged in the tratlic, persisted, with criminal obstinacy, in 
withholding their assent. England, not America, is responsi- 
ble for the wretchedness, which her kings and her officers were 
often importuned, but refused, to avert. 



CHAPTER III. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

It has already been stated, that to the Plymouth Company, so 
called becau5!e the principal members resided in and near Ply- 
mouth in England, was granted all the country between the 
southern boundary of New York and the Bay of Passama- 
quoddy. This country, at that time, was called North Vir- 
ginia. In UiOO, the company despatched a ship to make dis- 
coveries within the limits of its grant. Before the voyage was 
completed, she was captured by the Spaniards, who claimed 
the exclusive right of navigating the seas of the new hemis- 
phere. Another ship, afterwards sent for the same purpose, 
brought back such lavourable accounts of the territory, that 
the company were encouraged to make further efforts. 

The next year, two ships, commanded by Raleigh Gilbert, 
were sent over with forty -five men, to establish a plantation 
under the presidency of George Popham. Those most active 
in despatching this expedition were Popham, chief justice of 
England, and Gorges, governor of Plymouth. The men landed 
near the mouth of the Kennebec, called their settlement St. 
George, and the shii)s returned home. The winter was in- 
tensely cold; the emigrants, by an accidental tire, lost a part of 
their provisions ; they grew weary of their solitude ; and, in 
UUJS, returned to England, in ships which brought them pro- 
visions and succours. 

For several years, no more emigrants were sent over ; but 
vessels often came to fish on the coast, and the tratRc with 
the Indians in ftirs was pursued with profit. In 1614, John 
Smith. l\v? sam-» who acted a conspicuous part in the settler 
jn»Mit of Virginia, engaged, with four others, in a trading 
nd venture on thr»ir own itccount, and sailed to the coast of 
Mame. While some of the men were fishing, he surveyed the 
coait from the Penobicot to Cape Cod, carrying on, at the 



THK TJNITB15 STATEH. HS 

Hame time, a traffic in furs with the Indians. What is now 
C/'apo Ann he caller] 'IVagabigzanda, in honour of the TurkiHh 
lady to whom he had i'onnorly h(M;n a HJavo; the three Hmall 
ishiiidH, near tliJH eajx-, he called the Three 'I'urks' Ileadw, in 
honor of IiJH victory ovi r the; three 'I'lirkinh champiorjB. lie 
dlHcovered th(! islands now called th^ iHleH of Shoals and 
named them Smith's IhIch. On his return to England, 
after a j)rofitable voyage; of seven months' duration, he pre- 
sented to J*rinc(! (Jharles a map of the country, and gave him 
such a glowing description of its beauty and excellence, that 
he, in the warmth of his admiration, d(;clared it should bear 
thenanu! of Nkw KNOLANr). 

Smith al'ttu' wards made an att(;mpt to transport a colony 
thitlier, which was unsucceSHfnl: and New England might 
long hav(; remained the abode of wild beasts and savages 
only, had not motives more pow(.'rfijl tli.'in the love of gain, or 
of p(;riloiis advrntunjs, impelled men, differing from all others 
who had been the founders of colonies, to select it as the place 
of their reHJdencr;. 

In the beginning of the s(!venteenth century, James the First 
asserted and maintained a despotic power over the consciences 
of his English subjects. All who presumed to dissent from 
the creed which he had adopted wen; persecut(;d with ex- 
treme rigour. In thrst ag(.', Iho maxim was avowed by 
ecclesiastics of all sects, as well as politicians, that uniformity 
in rtjligion was (•ssential to th(; repose of society, and that it 
was therefore tiu; right and duty ofevery sovereign to preserve 
it in his dominions, by the exercise of all his powers of re- 
straint .'ind iJUTiisliment. 

But free in(|uiry had lately received such an impulse from 
the success of Luther and the other reformers, that the civil 
authority was unable to arrest or control it. Various sects 
arose, dissenting from the established religion, and all distin- 
guished by their democratic tenets respecting church govern- 
ment. l\;rsecuted at home, a small number, belonging to a 
sect which were afterwards called Indc.'pendents, determined 
to remove to ]*rotestant Holland, which had lately, after a 
long contest, succeeded, by the aid of England, in achieving 
its inde])endenc(; of Catlujlic Spain. They composed a con- 
gregation, whose pastor was the Rev. John Robinson, and 
whose ruling eldei- was William lirewster, who had served as 
a diplomatint in Holland. Their firnt attempt to leave their 
country was resisted and i)r(!vented by oflicers of the govern- 
ment. 'I'he next spring, KiOH, they assembled on an unfre- 
quented heath in Liiicolnsliire, to prepare to embark in the 
night. The weallier was tempestuous, and v/hile apart were 
on their way in boats to the phip, a troop of horsemen appear- 
«cl, and fleized the womei^ and children, who had not yet ad- 



36 HISTORY OF 

ventured on the surf. But these were released by the magis- 
trates, the men having got beyond their reach, and were per- 
mitted to depart with their husbands and fathers.— Such was 
the beginning of the wanderings of the Pilgrims. 

They remained at Amsterdam one year, and then removed 
to Ley den. In this seat of learning, they were regarded and 
treated with high respfffct. In the disputes against Arminianism, 
Robinson was selected as the champion of Orthodoxy. But 
their residence there soon became unpleasant. For their sup- 
port, many were compelled to learn mechanical trades. They 
feared lest the dissolute manners of the disbanded soldiers 
and sailors should contaminate their children ; and more that, 
by intermarriages with the Hollanders, the little band should 
melt away, and the true faith be lost. They heard, in their 
retreat, of the voyages of Gosnold, Smith, and Hudson ; of 
the enterprises of Raleigh, Delaware, and Gilbert; and re- 
solved to seek, in the New World, a place of abode for them- 
selves alone, where none could molest nor contaminate them, 
and into which error could not enter. 

They despatched Robert Cushman and John Carver to Eng- 
land, to obtain a grant of land from the London or South Vir- 
ginia Company. These agents carried with them a letter 
from Robinson and Brewster. " We are well weaned," said 
they, "from the delicate milk of the mother country, and 
inured to the difficulties of a strange land ; we are knit toge- 
ther by a strict and sacred bond, by virtue of which we hold 
ourselves bound to take care of the good of each other and of 
the whole. It is not with us as with other men, whom small 
things can discoumge, and small discontents cause to wish 
themselves home again." 

A grant was promised ; but the king declined giving an ex- 
plicit assurance that they should enjoy their religious opinions 
unmolested. The most they could obtain was an intimation 
that he would forbear to molest them. The agents returned 
to consult the congregation. They concluded, after delibera- 
tion, to proceed. A grant was obtained; and an arrange- 
ment was made with merchants of London to furnish the 
means of transportation. Two small ships were provided ; 
but as these could not carry the whole congregation, it was 
determined that Robinson and a part of the brethren should 
remain, for the present, at Leyden, and that Brewster, the 
elder, should conduct the emigrants. 'J'hey were to repair to 
Southampton, in England, and to sail theme for America. 

Before their departure Irom Leyden, a solemn fast was held. 
"I charge you before God and his blessed angels," said Ro- 
binson, in his farewell sermon, " tliat you follow me no far- 
ther than you have seen me follow the Lord Jesus Christ. 
The Lord has more truth yet to break forth out of his holy 



THE tNITED STATES? 3t 

word. I cannot sufficiently bewail the condition of the re- 
formed churches, who are come to a period in religion, and 
will go at present no farther than the instruments of their re- 
formation. — Luther and Calvin were great and shining lights 
in their times, yet they penetrated not into the whole counsel 
of God. — I beseech you remember it, 'tis an article of your 
church covenant, that you be ready to receive whatever truth 
shall be made known to you from the written word of God." 

Most of the brethren accompanied the emigrants to the har- 
bour, when Robinson, kneeling in prayer by the sea side, gave 
to their embarkation the sanctity of a religious rite. At 
Southampton, they went on board the Speedwell and May- 
flower, and set sail for America. But they had not gone far 
from land when some became disheartened, and the captain of 
the Speedwell pretended that his ship was too weak for the 
service. They put back to Plymouth, and left behind them 
all the hesitating and the timid. On the 6th of September, 
1620, the Mayflower, bearing the most resolute, consisting in 
the whole of one hundred and two persons, took her final de- 
parture for America. 

The captain was directed to steer for Hudson's River, near 
which the land which had been granted to them was situated ; 
but the Dutch, who claimed the exclusive right of trading in 
that region, had promised him a reward when in Holland, if 
he would carry them farther north. After a long and boister- 
ous voyage of sixty-five days, during which one person died, 
they entered the harbour of Cape Cod. 

Some symptoms of faction having appeared among the ser- 
vants on the voyage, a solemn voluntary compact, after ma- 
ture deliberation, was formed, to serve as a basis of govern- 
ment. " In the name of God, amen ; we, whose names aref 
underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign King 
James, having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advance- 
ment of the Christian faith, and honour of our king and coun- 
try, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of 
Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the 
presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine 
ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better or- 
dering, and pres^vation, and furtherance of the ends afore- 
said ; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame 
such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and 
offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most convenient 
for the general good of the colony. Unto which we promise 
all due submission and obedience." 

All the men, forty-one in number, signed this first of written 
constitutions ; and John ('arver was unanimously chosen 
governor for the year. 

The emigrants were well aware that they were beyond the 



'II 

3$ HISTORY OF ^ 

limits of the South Virginia CoHipany ; but it was now too 
late in the season to put again to sea ; and they determined 
to land at the first place they could find suitable for a settle- 
ment. While exploring tlie coast, they suffered much from 
cold and fatigue. At length, on the 11 th of December, old 
style, they hinded at a ])hice which they called New Plymouth. 
Here and around all was desolate and gloomy. The ocean, 
sterile sands, and dismal forests, were the only objects that 
met their view. The severity of the cold, greater than they 
had ever experienced, admonished them to seek protection 
against it; and their first employment was the erection of 
huts in the most convenient and sheltered situations. lu 
these miserable abodes they passed the winter — those at least 
who survived it. By the succeeding spring, one half of their 
number had perished, exhausted by continual sufFerirg, and 
by i\\e privation of eveiy worldly comfort which they had 
been accustomed to enjoy. 

Among those Avho died was John Carver, the governor; 
William Bradford was chosen his successor. The next spring, 
other emigrants came, but unprovided with food ; and for six 
months the whole colony was put upon half allowance. Once 
they wei-e sav(»d from famishing by the benevolence of fisher- 
men oil' t lie coast; sometimes they were compelled to \my ex- 
orbitant i)rices for })rovisions ; but, in a few years, their pro- 
vident care in cullivatiug the earth secured to them a suf- 
ficiency of food. 

The Indians who dwelt in the \icinity of the settlement 
were not numerous. IMassasoit, sachem of the Wampanoags, 
whose territory lay between Ta'inton and Providence Rivers, 
came to >isit them, lie had had some intercourse with Eng- 
lisli traders, and was desirous of ojiening a traffic with t\\e 
settlemiMit; and, being at war with the Narragansetts, he 
was moreover anxious to strengthen himself by securing the 
friendshij) of tlu^ English. A treaty was made which was 
long and faithfully observed. Canonicus, sachem of the 
Narragansetts, at first proflered friendship, but afterwards 
sent a bundle of arrows wrapped in the skin of a rattlesnake, 
in token of defiance. Bradford s->ut back the skin stuffed 
with powder and ball, and the sachem, terrified, then solicited 
peace. 

Upon application of the emigrants, the Plymouth Comjiany 
made them a grant of land ; but they were never incorporated 
by the king. Their voluntary compact was their only charter. 
To aid their governor, they chose, at first five, and afterwards 
seven, assistants. The excellent Robinson died at Leyden ; 
but the remainder of his p(Hiple, and with them his wife and 
children, emigrated to New Plymouth. In the year 1()3(), 
their whole number amounted to thr«!e hundred* 



THE t^ITfiD STATES. 30 

In the mean time, the same causes that drove Mr. Kobin- 
son and his congregation from England had continued to 
operate. A class of dissenters, denominated Puritans from 
the austerity of their manners, and from their claims to supe- 
rior purity in worship and discipline, had become numerous ; 
and as, by their new mode of worship, tliey violated the laws 
of the land, they were prosecuted as criminals. Their faith 
was conlirmed and their zeal increased by their sufferings; 
and having learned that complete religious freedom was en- 
joyed at New Plymouth, in America, they naturally directed 
their thoughts to that country as a secure asylum from perse- 
cution. 

In 1628, an association of men of that sect, residing at 
Dorchester and London, was formed for the purpose of plant- 
ing a colony in New England, to which they and " the best" 
of their brethren might repair, and in seclusion and safety 
worship God according to the dictates of conscience. Among 
them were Endicott, Winthrop, Dudley, Johnson, Pynchon, 
Saltonstall, and Bellingham — names afterwards distinguished 
in early colonial annals They availed themselves, by pur- 
chase, of a grant made by the Plymouth Company to two of 
their number and others, of a tract of land now constituting 
a part of the state of Massachusetts, and sent over, under the 
direction of John Endicott, a small number of people to begin 
a plantation. These, in September, landed at a place called, 
by the Indians, Naumkeag, and by themselves, Salem; a place 
which had before been selected by Roger Conant, an enthusi- 
ast of courage and energy. 

The next year, they obtained a charter from the crown, 
by which the usual powers of a cor[)oration were conferred 
upon the grantees, by the name of thi^ " (iovornor and Com- 
pany of Massachusetts Bay, in New England." It ordained, 
that the oflicers of the company should be a governor, a de- 
puty-governor, and eighteen assistants, to be named, in the 
lirst instance, by the crown, and afterwards elected by the 
corporation. Four stated meetings of all the members were 
to be held annually, under the denomination of the General 
Court, at which they were authorized to admit freemen or 
members, and to make such ordinances or laws, not repug- 
nant to the laws of England, as they might deem expedient. 
The colonists, and their descendants, were declared to be en- 
titled to all the rights of natiiral born Englinli subjects. 

At a General Court, held at London, in 1(121), the olhcers 
prescribed by the charter were elected, and several ordinances 
were adopted for the government of the company. In their 
instructions to Endicot, they say, "If any of the salvages pre- 
tend right of inheritance to ullor any part of the lands grunted 
in our pivtent, we pray you endeavour to purchase their fytlej 



40 HISTORY OF 

that we may avoid the least scruple of intrusion." '* Particu- 
larly publish that no wrong or injury be offered to the natives." 
Two hundred people were sent over, increasing the number 
to three hundred, of whom, one hundred, dissatisfied with 
the situation of Salem, removed to Charlestown. Religion 
was the first object of their care in the country which they 
had adopted. A religious covenant was agreed upon, and a 
confession of faith drawn up, to which their assent was 
given. Pastors were chosen, and were, from necessity, in- 
stalled into their sacred offices by the imposition of the hands 
of the brethren. 

Among the emigrants were two, John Brown and Samuel 
Brown, who insisted upon the use of the liturgy of the Epis- 
copal church. Both were members of the colonial council, 
and were favourites of the corporation in England. But it 
was to escape from bishops, and the forms and ceremonies of 
that church, that they had abandoned their native land. Should 
not the forests of Massachusetts be safe from the intrusion of 
the persecuting and dreaded hierarchy ? The charter confer- 
red on the company the right of expelling from the land they 
had purchased any person whose presence might be deemed 
prejudicial to its welfare. Endicott sent back the Browns 
to England in the returning ships. 

The ensuing winter was a period of uncommon suffering 
and sickness. The cold was intense ; the houses were un- 
finished; the provisions were insufficient and unwholesome. 
Before spring, nearly half their number perished, " lamenting 
that they could .not live to see the rising glories of the faith- 
ful." 

These calamities had some effect in deterring others from 
joining them ; but the consideration that the general courts 
were lield, the officers elected, aud the laws enacted, in Lon- 
don, had still greater inlluence. It did not comport with the 
views and feeliugs of those who disdained to submit to autho- 
rity in matters of faith, to consent to remove to the New 
World, and there be governed by laws which they could have 
no part in enacting, llepresentations to this effect were 
made to the company, who resolved that the government and 
patent should be removed to Massachusetts. 

This wise resolution gave such encouragement to emigra- 
tion, that, in 1630, more than fifteen hundred persons came 
over, and and founded Boston and several adjacent towns. Of 
those ]iersonsi, all Avere resi)ecfable, and many were from il- 
lustrious and noble families. Having been accustomed to a 
life of ease and enjoyment, their sufferings, the first year, were 
great, and i)ro\c'tV fatal to many ; among others, to the Lady 
Arabella, who, to use the words of an early historian of the 
country, " came from a paradise of plenty and pleasure, in 



THE UNITED STATES. 41 

the family of a noble earl, into a wilderness of wants, and, 
although celebrated for her many virtues, yet was not able 
to encounter the adversity she was surrounded with ; and, 
in about a month after her arrival, she ended her days at 
Salem, where she first landed." Mr. Johnson, her husband, 
overcome with grief, survived her but a short time. 

Before December, two hundred perished. On the 24th of 
that month, the cold became intense. Such a Christmas eve 
they had never before known. Yet the inclemency of the 
weather continued to increase. They were almost destitute 
of provisions, and many were obliged to subsist on clams, 
muscles, and other shell-fish, with nuts and acorns instead of 
bread. Many more died ; but, in this extremity, the ardour 
of conviction which compelled them to emigrate, remained in 
full force, and they met, with a firm, unshaken spirit, the ca- 
lamities which assailed them. 

One great object of the Puritans, in retiring to the unoccu- 
pied regions of New England, was the establishment of a re- 
ligious commonwealth, as nearly upon the model of that of 
the Jews as the difference of circumstances would admit. To 
accomplish this object, they deemed it necessary, and at a 
general court, held in 1G31, they ordained, that none but those 
who had made a profession of religion, and had become mem- 
bers of some church, should be admitted members of the cor- 
poration, or enjoy the privilege of voting. 

This law has been too severely censured by those who have 
lived in more liberal and enlightened times. It contradicted 
none of the professions of the Puritans. It was in strict ac- 
cordance with the avowed motives of their emigration. It 
exhibited less intolerance than was then displayed by every 
other nation. It violated the rights of no one, for no one 
could claim a right to come into the territory which they had 
purchased. And it was doubtless essential — such was then 
the temper of men's minds — to the repose of their little society. 

The colonists had frequently been alarmed, but never yet 
attacked, by the Indians. These were not, in fact, in a con- 
dition to do much injury. A few years before the arrival of 
the English, a contagious distemper swept away a great 
number, almost extenninatiiig several tribes. In 1633, the 
small-pox destroyed many who had survived the pestilence ; 
and the territory contiguous to the first settlements of the 
English seemed to have been providentially made vacant for 
their reception. As an attack from this quarter was, how- 
ever, possible, and as the French, who had a trading es- 
tablishment at Acadia, had discovered some symptoms of hos- 
tility, it was thought advisable to erect fortifications at Bos- 
ton and other places, and to open a correspondence with their 
neighbours at New Plymouth. 



42 HISTORY OF 

So far from the capital had the settlements extended, that 
it was found extremely inconvenient for all the freemen to as- 
semble and transact the necessary public business. In 1634, 
the mode of legislation was altered by the general consent of 
the towns. They delegated to twenty-four representatives the 
authority granted, by the charter, to the whole body of free- 
men. This important alteration was adopted the more readily, 
as the emigrants had been familiar, in their native country, 
with the representative system. The appellation of General 
Court, which had been applied to all the freemen when assem- 
bled, was now transferred to their representatives. 

In 1631, a young clergyman, Roger Williams, arrived at 
Boston from England, a fugitive from persecution. He was 
gifted as a preacher, singular in many of his notions, and fond 
of m{inifesting his singularities. He, as Avell as those among 
whom he came, entertained the opinion that every man had a 
right to worship God according to the dictates of his own 
conscience ; and he had the merit of going e\en a step farther, 
believing that the civil authority had no right to enact any 
law whatever in regard to religion. The people of Salem de- 
sired him for their teacher, but were dissuaded by the magis- 
trates of Boston from electing him ; and he withdrew to New 
Plymouth. Upon the death of the Rev. Mr. Shelton, of Sa- 
lem, he returned to that toAvn, and was then chosen its pas- 
tor. His singularities then became fcnportant in the eyes of 
the magistrates of the colony. He had refused, aud taught 
others to refuse, to take the freeman's oath ; he caused the 
church of Salem to send letters of admonition to the church at 
Boston, and several others, accusing the magistrates, who 
were members, of divers offences, and admitting no church to 
be pure but that of Salem ; he persuaded Mr. Endicott to cut 
the cross out of the king's colours, as being a relic of anti- 
christian superstition ; and many of the militia refused to train 
under colours so mutilated. Much uneasiness and excitement 
were occasioned by his conduct ; and, endeavours made tore- 
claim him failing of success, he was banished. He repaired at 
first to Seekonk, and afterwards to Providence, and became 
the founder of Rhode Island. 

In 1635, Massachusetts received from England a large num- 
ber of inhabitants ; and among them came two who afterwards 
acted conspicuous parts in the affairs of their native country. 
One was Peters, who was subsequently a chaplain of Oliver 
Cromwell; the other was Mr. Vane, afterwards Sir Henry 
Vane. The latter was but twenty-five years of age ; but, by 
his show of great humility, his grave and solemn deport- 
ment, and his ardent professions of attachment to liberty, he 
stole the hearts of the Puritans, and, the year, after his arrival, 
was made governor of the colony. 



THE UNITED STATES. 43 

His popularity, however, was transient. During his ad- 
ministration, the celebrated Mrs. Hutchinson, a woman who 
was distinguished for her eloquence, and had imbibed the en- 
thusiasm of the age, instituted weekly meetings for persons of 
her own sex, in which she commented on the (Sermons of the 
preceding Sunday, and advanced certain mystical and extra- 
vagant doctrines. These spread rapidly among the people, 
and many become converts. 

Governor Vane, with Mr. Cotton and Mr. Wheelright, two 
distinguished clergymen, embraced them with ardour; but 
Lieutenant-Governor Winthrop, and a majority of the churches, 
deemed them heretical tvnd seditious. Great excitement was 
produced among the people ; many conferences were held ; 
public fasts were appointed ; a general synod was summoned ; 
and, after much intemperate discussion, her opinions were de- 
termined to be erroneous, and she and some of her adherents 
were' banished from the colony. 

Not being again chosen governor. Vane returned in disgust 
to England, engaged in the civil wars, which soon after af- 
flicted that country, sustained high offices in the republican 
party, and, after the restoration of Charles II, was accused of 
high treason, convicted, and executed. Peters pursued a simi- 
lar career, and met with the same fate. 

Among those who belonged to the party of Vane and Mr. 
Hutchinson, were the Rev. John Wheelwright, who was her 
brother, John Clark, and William Coddington. Wheelwright 
removed beyond the limits of the colony, and founded Exeter, 
in New Hampshire. Clark and Coddington, intending to 
settle in Long Island or Delaware Bay, proceeded south ; but 
meeting with Roger Williams, he persuaded them to remain 
with him, and they purchased Aquetneck, now called Rhode 
Island, of the chief of the Narragansetts. At the same time, 
Williams obtained from the Indians a deed of the land where 
Providence is situated. 

By the settlement of Massachusetts, the attention of emigrants 
was diverted from the colony of Plymouth, where the soil was 
less fertile. It nevertheless continued to increase, though 
slowly, in population. In 1G36, a body of laws was adopted 
by the colony, styled " The General Fundamentals." By the 
first article, they enact " that no act, imposition, law or ordi- 
nance, be made or imposed upon us at present, or to come, but 
such as has been or shall be enacted by the consent of the 
body of freemen or associates, or their representatives legally 
assembled; which is according to ^e free liberties of the free- 
born people of England." 'The opiflPl then entertained of the 
ivlation between the colony and the mother country is here 
very clearly indicated. There could hardly be. a more distinct 
assertion of entire independence. In 1624, the assembly of 



44 HISTORY OF 

Virginia had voted that the governor should lay no taxes 
upon that colony without the consent of the general as- 
sembly. 

The government of Plymouth, which had before carried on 
a profitable trade with the Indians on Connecticut River, 
principally in beaver and otter skius, determined, at their so- 
licitation, to establish a trading house among them. The house 
was framed at Plymouth in 1633, and sent round by water. 
The Dutch, who had a settlement at New York, and claimed, 
the country on that river, heard of this project of the English, 
and, determining to anticipate them, hastily despatched a party, 
who built a slight fort at Hartford. When the Plymouth 
vessel, carrying the frame of the house, came near this fort, 
" the Dutch stood by their ordnance, threatened hard, but did 
not shoot." The vessel passed up, and the house was erected 
at Windsor. This was the first dwelling-house erected within 
the boundaries of Connecticut. In 1635, about sixty persons, 
from Dorchester, Watertown, and Newtown, intending to 
settle on Connecticut River, travelled thither through the 
woods, being fourteen days on their journey. Those from 
Dorchester settled at AVindsor, those from Watertown at 
Weathersfield, and those from Newtown at Hartford. The 
next year. Hooker and Stone, ministers of Newtown, with 
their whole church and congregation, removed to Hartford. 
And William Pynchon and others, going from Roxbury settled 
at Springfield. Plymouth com})lained of this interference of 
the people of Massachusetts, and the emigrants from Dor- 
chester paid them a compensation for their claims. In 1637, 
Eaton, Davenport, Hopkins, and others from London, arrived 
at Boston, in search of a place for a settlenient. They selected 
Quinnipiac, now New Haven, removed thither the next year, 
and they, and those who afterwards joined them, formed, for 
several years, a seperate colony. 

The rapid progress of the English settlements excited the 
jealousy of the natives. They had welcomed, without fear, 
the emigrants who first landed, not anticipating their future 
encroachments, and desirous of exchanging what to them was 
almost worthless for articles like those which they had ob- 
tained from travellers who had visited the coast, and which 
they valued highly. The experience of a few years convinced 
them that they must either exterminate these mvaders of their 
country, or be themselves exterminated. 

Within the boifndaries of Rhode Island and Connecticut 
lived two warlike tribes, the Pequods and Narragansetts. The 
former were hostile, thgjitter friendly, to the whites. Be- 
tween the two tribes ai^roveterate enmity existed ; but the 
more sagacious and politic Pequods proposed that all ani- 
mosities should be forgotten, and their united strength di- 



THE UNITED STATES. 45 

rected against their invaders, before they had become too 
strong to be resisted. At first the Narragansetts wavered ; 
but their hatred of the Pequods overpowered the suggestions 
of policy. They disclosed the proposal to the English, and 
invited them to join in a war against their common enemy. 

The colonies were roused to a sense of their danger. In 
1637, Massachusetts, Plymouth, and Connecticut, agreed to 
unite their forces, and attempt the entire destruction of ^he 
Pequods. Captain Mason, with eighty men, principally from 
Connectic^, and three hundred friendly Indians, was imme- 
diately sent into the country of the enemy. Early in the morn- 
ing of the 26th of May, he attacked one of the principal vil- 
lages, which had been surrounded with palisades. The re- 
sistance was brave and obstinate, and the issue of the battle 
for some time doubtful ; but the whites, forcing their way into 
the enclosure, set fire to the wigwams, and then, retreating a 
short distance, surrounded the town. Many of the Indians 
perished in the flames ; others were shot in their attempts to 
flee. Of five or six hundred within the enclosure, but few es- 
caped. The English troops, of whom two were killed and 
sixteen wounded, returned in triumph to Hartford. 

In June, another body of troops, principally from Massa- 
chusetts, marched into the enemy's country, surrounded a 
swamp, into which a party of them had retired, and took 
eighty captive. Some escaping, they were pursued to another 
swamp, situated near New Haven, where the whole strength 
of the tribe was collected. This was, in like manner, sur- 
rounded ; a sharp contest ensued ; but the whites were again 
victorious. Two hundred Pequods were killed or made pri- 
soners. The remainder fled to the country of the Mohawks . 
The brilliant success of the English, in this first and short war 
with the natives, gave the neighbouring tribes such an exalted 
idea of their prowess, that, for nearly forty years, they were 
neither attacked nor molested. 

Ten years had now clasped since the first settlement was 
made at Salem. It has been computed that, within that time, 
twenty-one thousand persons arrived in Massachusetts. The 
dissenters in England having obtained the ascendency in the 
government, all motives for emigration ceased ; and it is sup- 
posed that, for many years afterwards, more persons returned 
to England, than came from England to the colonies. 

Such, however, were the character and virtues of the emi- 
grants, such the power over difficulties which their resolute 
minds, and bodies hardened by labour, had imparted to them, 
that they continued to increase, with* astonishing rapidity, in 
wealth and numbers ; and a vote of the house of commons, 
stating that " the plantations in New England had had good 
and prosperous success, without any public charge to the 



46 HISTORY OF 

state," is quoted, by an historian of those times, as an honour- 
able testimony of the high merit of the colonists. 

Circumstances and events had already impressed a character 
upon them, which, though softened in its worst features by 
the progress of refinement, still distinguishes their descendants. 
Persecution made them bigots ; piety made them moral ; 
poverty made them frugal; incessant toil made them hardy 
an^k robust ; dreary solitudes made them gloomy and super- 
stitious ; their numerous clergy and well-educated leaders 
made them venerate literature and the sciences. 

The dangers apprehended from the Dutch at New York, 
from the French in Nova Scotia and Acadia, and from the In- 
dians, led to discussions on the expediency of forming a league 
between the several colonies of New England. It was first 
proposed in 1637; in 1638, articles were drawn up, but they 
were not satisfactory to all; in 1643, a confederacy was 
formed between Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and 
New Haven. It was agreed that each colony should appoint 
two commissioners, who should assemble annually, by rota- 
tion, in the respective colonies ; that the agreement of six 
should bind the whole ; that they'should have power to make 
ordinances relative to intercourse between the English and the 
Indians, to fugitives from one colony to another, and to other 
matters of like nature. In case of war, the respective colonies 
were bound, upon the application of three magistrates of the 
invaded colony, to furnish aid, Massachusetts a hundred men, 
"^nd the other three colonies forty-five each. The expenses of 
a war were to be apportioned according to the number of 
male inhabitants between sixteen and sixty years. 

In consequence of this league, the colonies were more re- 
spected and feared by their civilized and savage neighbours. 
Several Indian sachems came in, and submitted to the Eng- 
lish, Massachusetts had had a long and troublesome dispute 
with D'Aulney, the French governor of Acadia, which, in 1644, 
was adjusted by a treaty concluded between him and Go- 
vernor Endicott, and afterwards ratified by the commis- 
sioners. 

When representatives were first chosen, they sat and voted 
in the same chamber with the assistants. In 1635, when Mr. 
Hooker applied for permission to form a settlement on Con- 
necticut River, a majority of the assistants voted against 
granting permission ; but a majority of the whole assembly ^ 
was in favour of it. The representatives contended that a 
majority of the assistants was not necessary, and that the vote 
had passed in the affirmative. The assistants claimed to be a 
distinct branch of the legislature, and contended that it had 
passed in the negative. 

No provision having been made for a case of this kind, an 



THE UNITED STATES. 47 

adjournment for a week took place ; a public fast was apr 
pointed, and the divine direction implored in all the congrega- 
tions. When the assembly again met, a sermon was preached 
by Mr. Cotton, which induced the representatives to yield to 
the claim of the assistants. In 1644, the dispute was renewed, 
and the assistants were again victorious. The representatives 
then proposed that the two classes should sit apart, and form 
distinct bodies ; and in this proposition the assistants con- 
curred. 

The contest between the king and parliament at length re- 
sulted in open war ; and the New England colonies, actuated 
by the same feeling as the Puritans in England, embraced with 
ardour the cause of the latter. The parliament rewarded this 
attachment by exempting them from all taxes ; and when the 
supreme authority devolved upon Cromwell, as protector of 
the liberties of England, they found in him a friend no less sin- 
cere and zealous. After the conquest of Ireland, he invited 
them to return and settle in that country ; and, subsequently, 
having conquered Jamaica, he endeavoured to persuade them 
to remove to that fertile island, and more genial climate. But 
his arguments and solicitations were unavailing. They en- 
joyed, in their present abode, complete religious freedom, and 
that privilege they were unwilling to hazard in pursuit of ad- 
vantages less essential to their happiness. 

Several settlements had been made beyond the present 
limits of Massachusetts, and within those of New Hampshire. 
Massachusetts contended that her charter gave her all the 
territory extending " from the northernmost part of the River 
Merrimac, and three miles more north, from the sea, and then 
upon a strait line east and west to each sea ;" and that, of 
course, these settlements were within her limits. In 1641, 
they submitted to her claim, and placed themselves under her 
jurisdiction. They were situated at Portsmouth, Dover, 
Exeter, and Hampton. In 1645, a negro, who had been 
" fraudulently and injuriously taken and brought from Guinea," 
and pold to Mr. Williams of Piscataqua, was demanded by 
the general court, that he might be sent back to his native 
country. 

About this time, several persons of considerable influence in 
the colony presented a petition to the general court, complain- 
ing of the law which denied civil privileges to all who were 
not church members, and, and of the regulations of the churches, 
by which all who were not members of some church were de- 
barred from the Christian privileges of the Lord's supper for 
themselves, and of baptism for their children, and praying 
that members of the churches of England and Scotland 
might be admitted to the privileges of the churches of New 
England. The petition contained expressions disrespectful to 



48 • HISTORY OF 

the government ; and the general court, instead of granting 
their request, summoned them to appear and answer for con- 
tempt. They appeared, and, refusing to make any apology, 
were fined. They appealed from the sentence of the general 
court to the commissioners of plantations ; but their appeal 
was not allowed. Apprehensive that efforts, would be made 
in England, by the petitioners, to injure the colony, the general 
court, through their agent, Mr. Winslow, addressed a discreet 
but frank remonstrance to parliament, in which they say, 
*'\Ve have not admitted appeals to your authority, being 
assured they cannot stand with the liberty and power granted 
us by our charter." In the same spirit, Mr. Winslow declared 
that " if the parliament should impose laws upon us, having no 
burgesses in the house of commons, nor capable of a summons 
by reason of the vast distance, we should lose the liberties and 
freedom of English indeed." The committee of parliament 
replied, " We encourage no appeals from your justice. We 
leave you with all the freedom and latitude that may, in any 
respect, be duly claimed by you." 

Among those whose attention was, at an early period, at- 
tracted to the coast of North America, was Sir Ferdinando 
Gorges. He had been an officer in the navy of Queen Eliza- 
beth, was intimately connected with Raleigh, and was actu- 
ated by the same adventurous spirit. In conjunction with 
others, he despatched several ships to the coast. He was go- 
vernor of Plymouth, and displayed so much zeal in establishing 
the Plymouth Company, that he was chosen its president, and 
afterwards took an active part in all its transactions. In 
1635, this company, then on the point of surrendering its char- 
ter, granted to Gorges all the land from Piscataqua to Saga- 
dahoc , and in 1639 this grant was confirmed by Charles I. 
In compliment to the queen, Gorges called the territory the 
Province of Maine, that being the name of her estate in France. 
At this time, several settlements had been made on the coast : 
at Saco the number of inhabitants was supposed to be about 
one hundred and fifty ; but all were without law and without 
government until 1636, when the patentee sent over his ne- 
phew, William Gorges, to officiate as his deputy. In that year, 
a court was held at Saco, the first ever held in Maine. In less 
than two years, William Gorges returned to England, leaving 
the country destitute of a government. 

In 1 640, a general court was held at Saco, under the auspices 
of the lord proprietor. The next year, he incorporated Aga- 
menticus — which he called Georgiana, and which is now called 
York — as a city, providing for a mayor, aldermen, and muni- 
cipal courts, although the number of inhabitants was less than 
three hundred. He soon after died. The people wrote repeat- 
edly to his heirs, but, receiving no answer, they formed them- 



THE UNITED STAXEte;. 4y 

selves into a body politic for the purposes of self-government. 
In this state of affairs, Massachusetts advanced her claim to 
the country, upon the same ground that she had claimed New 
Hampshire, sent commissioners to settle the government, and, 
in 1 G52, the several settlements readily submitted to her au- 
thourity. 

A sect of religionists, generally called Quakers, appeared in 
England in the year 1 052. At this time of intense mental ac- 
tivity and intellectual anarchy, George Fox, the son of a weaver, 
distinguished even in boyhood for his frankness, inflexibility, 
and deep religious feeling, perplexed by the claim of every sect 
to be the only true interpreter of the will of God, after long 
.wrestling with doubt and despair, embraced as divine truth the 
dogma, that the voice of God in the soul announced his will 
to man, and was the only law which he was bound to obey. His 
boldness in preaching raised up enemies, and multiplied con- 
verts. He left the jail, the stocks, and the whipping-post, 
with strength renewed and resolution increased, to proclaim 
his doctrines. In the conventicle, the alehouse, and the field, 
he preached to all who would hear him, and preached with 
such honest fervour, and prayed with such awful sublimity, 
that immense numbers of the common people embraced his doc- 
trines. It is not surprising that, obeying the impulse of the 
spirit, many of his ignorant followers commmitted extrava- 
gances which rendered them proper subjects of the discipline of 
the magistrates. 

In 105G, several of this sect came into Massachussetts. They 
were apprehended under the law against heretics ; their books, 
which they brought with intent to circulate them among tli,e 
people, were burnt, and themselves compelled to (piit the co- 
lony. At the next session of the general court, a severe law 
was passed against Quakers in particular, and heavy penalties 
imposed upon any one who should bring them or their books 
into the colony, or should harbour them, or be present at their 
meetings. But their number increased, and their conduct be- 
came more offensive. They reviled magistrates and ministers, 
and, entering churches on the Sabbath, disturbed the solemni- 
ties of public worship. In 1 C58, an additional law was passed, 
making it a capital offence for any Quaker to return after 
banishment. Three, after having been once tried and banished, 
returned, were again tried, and, " for their rebellion, sedition, 
and presumptuous obtruding themselves after banishment upon 
pain of death," were sentenced to die, and were executed. 
Subsequetly another was banished, but returned ; was again 
apprehended; was offered permission to leave Ihe colony, and 
repeatedly urged to accept it, but, refusing to go, and declar- 



50 . HISTORY OF 

ing to the court that " their ministers were deluded, and them- 
selves murderers," was tried, convicted, and executed. 

Many more Quakers came into the colony, were tried, and 
banished, returned, were again tried, and variously disposed 
of; but no others were executed. The severe and cruel law 
against them was undoubtedly passed in the confident expect- 
ation that, by means of it, the colony would be freed of these 
intruders, and that no occasion for executing it would ever 
arrive ; and it was carried into execution from a fancied ne- 
cessity of enforcing a law so daringly violated. The natural 
feeling of man rose up in opposition to the law, and it was re- 
pealed. When the agitation in men's minds subsided, the 
Quakers became calm with the rest; and their leading tenet 
seems to have had a favourable influence, in an educated age, 
upon their morals and conduct. 

Cromwell, who had governed England with greater ability 
and higher merit than most of her kings, died in 1658 ; and, 
after an interval of two years, Charles II., a prince destitute 
of honour and virtue, was recalled from exile, and placed upon 
the throne. He was reluctantly acknowledged by the colonies of 
New England. They had been the favourites of the parlia- 
ment and the Protector, and apprehended, with good reason, 
the loss of their civil and religious privileges. 

A short time after, Whalley and GofTe, two of the judges 
who had sentenced Charles I. to be beheaded, having fled be- 
fore the return of his successor, arrived in New England. 
Th ir first place of residence was Cambridge ; but they often 
appeared publicly in Boston, particularly on Sundays and other 
days of religious solemnities. They had sustained high rank 
in Cromwell's army, were men of uncommon talents, and by 
their dignified manners and grave deportment, commanded 
universal respect. 

As soon as it was known that they were excepted from the 
general pardon, the governor suggested to the court of assist- 
ants the expediency of arresting them. A majority opposed 
it, and many members of the general court gave them assur- 
ances of protection. Considering themselves, however, un- 
safe at Cambridge, they removed to New Haven, where they 
were received with great respect by the clergy and magis- 
trates. 

After a short residence there, enjoying, in private, the 
society of their friends, the governor of Massachusetts received 
a mandate to arrest them. A warrant was immediately 
issued, authorizing two zealous loyalists to search for and 
seize them, wherever found in New England. They hastened 
to the colony of New Htiven, exhibited the warrant to the 
governor, who resided at Guildford, and requested hini to fur- 
nish authority and assistants to pursue them, llesirous of 



THE UNITE© STATES, 51 

favouring the exiles, he affected to deliberate until the next 

Z'Zl w^rt ?p'''^^ """^"' ''''' «-P-^^^ hCe except 
tne one weie the judges were concealed. This thev began 

to search, but where induced, by the address of the mistress 
of It, to desist When the pursuers had departed theTd'es 
flT^ Z\''^^I woods, fixed their abode in a cive^K 
mg there that their friends were threatened with punishment 
for having afforded them protection, they came from S 
hidmg-placc for the purpose of delivering themselves up but 

persuaded them relinquish their attention. Soon after tW 

"uZnZ ''"'"'f^ r^r ''''y '''^-"^^^ about wo ^^rf^ 
fhp^^ f>. ™'^-^^'^^^^.^^^' i^^^'«^"«' instructed to apprehend 

wl?/e h% Sded^fir;"'''^^ K ^^'^^' ^" Massa^ciuset?s, 
wnere tnty lesided fifteen or sixteen years, but few nersona 
being acquainted with the place of their coi/ceal neni There 

wnS f '"'^^^^''^^^^^^^^^^i^i^^^^ that, many years after! 
wards, two graves were discovered in the miuisLr'^cellar • 
New'litn'tto"'^ supposed they had beeirinterred At 
i\ew Haven, two graves are shown, said to be tho^P of fh« 
two judges It is not improbable tlmt their remaps were ^ 
moved to this place from Hadiey remams were re- 

A singular incident, which occurred at the latter place in 
167D, shows that one of these illustrious exiles had not for- 
gotten the avocations of his youth. The people at the t mP 
of public worship, were alarn/ed by anattacSnut Indkns 
and thrown mto the utmost confusion. Suddenly a Rrave' 
e derly person appeared, differing in his mien and dr'essXm 
all around him. lie put himself at their head, rallied encom^ 
aged, and led them against the enemy, who weie r^sed 
and completely defeated. As suddenly the deliv^er of Had ev 
V Z^beHev'edTh?''^^' T^^ '''' in amazement and manj 
to victory ^° ^""^'^ '"''* ^'^"' ^^^^^^" ^^^ led them 

As soon as Holland became independent, she devoted all her 
energies to commerce; and her citizens, by their pro verbill 
economy, were enabled to monopolize alLst all the com 
merce oi the world. While the ships ofTngland lav roT 
mg m her harbours, those of Holland can if d to Sland 
the wines of France and Spain, the spices of the Indies and 

ZlVJ^" /T'^'. ^''^'''^' '^' ^^' ^"^^ncan colonies ^ The 
parliament, therefore, in 1651, passed the famous Nav nation 
Act by which ships not owned by Englishmen, were proMbed 
from bnngmg mto English ports any%rticle8 of merchS^^^ 



52 BISTORT OF 

except such as were the products of the country to which the 
ships belonged. From this law the kingdom derived great 
benefit, the colonies suffered little injury ; it merely excluded 
foreign ships from the direct trade between them and the 
mother country. On the restoration of the king, this law 
was continued in force ; and it was also enacted that the 
principal products of the English colonies should not be car- 
ried from them to any other country than such as belonged to 
the crown of England ; and, in 1663, it was still further 
enacted, that no commodities of the growth, production, or 
manufacture of Europe should be imported into the colonies 
except from British ports ; thus compelling the colonists to 
sell what they produced, and buy what they wanted, in the 
markets of England alon% 

These restraints upon their trade were highly injurious to 
the colonies. That thej"^ were profitable to England did not, 
in their view, relieve them from the charge of odious iujustice. 
England, as a nation, had expended nothing in settling or pj;o- 
tecting the colonies : by what right, then, could she elaim to 
render their interests subservient to hers ? They resorted to 
complaints and remonstrances ; but these were disregarded ; 
and the colonists, on their side, disregarded, as much as they 
dared, the laws of trade. Their distance from the mother 
country favoured them ; and, notwithstandidg these enacted 
restrictions, offspring of selfishness and pride, if not of hostility, 
they continued to prosper. 

Their treatment of the king's judges, and in truth all their 
conduct, evinced the republican spirit of the colonists. By the 
royal government of England they could not, therefore, be 
regarded with favour. They had enemies, too, among them- 
selves. After the restoration, Samuel Maverick, who had 
been long in Massachusetts, and always in opposition to the 
authorities, repaired to England, and solicited that commis- 
sioners might be sent over to examine into their conduct, to 
hear complaints, and decide upon them. In 1664, commis- 
sioners were accordingly appointed, Maverick being one ; and 
they were also directed to take possession of New York, then 
occupied by the Dutch. Their first session was at Plymouth, 
where but little business was transacted ; the next in Rhode 
Island, where they heard complaints from the Indians, and 
made divers determinations respecting titles to land which 
were but little regarded. On arriving in Massachusetts, it ap- 
peared that, as a part of their duty they were instructed to 
require, that all who should take the oath of allegiance; that 
all who should desire it should be permitted to use the Book 
of Common Prayer; that persons of good and honest conver- 
sation should enjoy the privileges of voting and being elect- 
ed to office ; and that the act of navigation should be punc- 



THE UNITED STATES. 53 

tually observed. The general court complied with such of 
their requisitions as they thought proper ; but professing sincere 
loyalty to his majesty, declined acknowledging their authority, 
and protested against the exercise of it within their limits. 
In consequence of this manly assertion of their chartered rights, 
an angry correspondence took place between them, at the 
close of which the commissioners told the general court '^ that 
they would lose no more of their labours upon them," but would 
represent their conduct to his majesty. 

From Boston, the commissioners proceeded to New Hamp- 
shire, where they exercised several acts of government, and 
offered to release the inhabitants from the jurisdiction of Mas- 
sachusetts. This offer was almost unanimously rejected. In 
Maine, they excited more disturbance. They encouraged the 
people to declare themselves independent, and found many 
disposed to listen to their suggestions ; but Massachusetts, by 
a prompt and vigorous exertion of power, constrained the dis- 
affected to submit to her authority. 

Connecticut appears to have been the favourite of the com- 
missioners. She treated them with respect, and complied 
with their requisitions. In return, they made such a repre- 
sentation of her merits to the king, as to draw from him a let- 
ter of thanks. "Although," says he, "your carriage doth of 
itself most justly deserve our praise and approbation, yet it 
seems to be set off with more lustre by the contrary behaviour 
of the colony of Massachusetts." 

It may give some insight into the manners and feelings of 
the people, aud throw some light upon the character of the 
commissioners, to relate an occurrence, otherwise trivial, 
which happened while they were in Boston. They sometimes 
met at the Ship Tavern, and, being there one Saturday evening, 
which was a violation of law, a constable visited them ; an 
altercation took place ; they beat him, and afterwards adjourned 
to a private house in the neighbourhood. Another constable, 
more zealous and courageous, hastened to the tavern, and, not 
finding them there, sought them at the house to which they 
had repaired. He told them he was glad to find them there ; 
or, if he had found them at the tavern, he should have car- 
ried them all before a magistrate: and he reproved them 
sharply for beating a constable and abusing authority. He 
was asked if he should have dared to meddle with the king's 
commissioners. " Yes," said he ; " and if the king himself 
had been there, I should have carried him away." " Treason !" 
cried one of them ; and the next day he sent a note to the 
governor, charging the constable with high treason, and de- 
manding his arrest. Criminal proceedings were therefore 
instituted against him, which, after continuing some time, 



64 HISTORY OP 

ended in a sentence, that he " should be admonished in a 
solemn manner by the governor." 

At the end of fifty years from the arrival of the emig-rants 
at Plymouth, the New England colonies w^ere supposed to 
contain one hundred and tv^^enty towns, and as many thousand 
inhabitants. The acts of parliament not being rigidly en- 
forced, their trade had become extensive and profitable. The 
habits of industry and economy, which had been formed in 
less happy times, continued to prevail, and gave a competency 
to those who had nothing, and wealth to those who had a 
competency. The wilderness receded before adventurous and 
hardy labourers, and its savage inhabitants found their game 
dispersed, and their favourite haunts invaded. 

This was the natural consequence of the sales of land which 
were, at all times, readily made to the whites. But this con- 
sequence the Indians did not foresee ; and when they felt it in 
all its force, the strongest passions were awakened which can 
animate civilized or savage man — the love of country and of 
independence. 

A leader only was wanting to concentrate and direct their 
exertions ; and Philip of Pokanoket, sachem of a tribe living 
within the boundaries of Pl3miouth and Rhode Island, assumed 
that honourable but dangerous station. His father was the 
friend, but he had ever been the enemy, of the whites ; and 
this enmity, arising from causes of national concern, had been 
embittered to vindictive hatred by their conduct towards his 
elder brother. This brother, i)eing suspected of plotting 
against them, was seized by a detachment of soldiers, and 
confined ; and the indignity so wrought upon his proud spirit, 
as to produce a fever that put an end to his life. 

Philip inherited the authority and proud spirit of his brother. 
He exerted all the arts of intrigue, and powers of persuasion, 
of which he was master, to induce the Indians, in all parts of 
New England, to unite their efforts for the destruction of the 
whites. He succeeded in forming a confederacy, able to send 
into action between three and four thousand warriors. 

The English were apprised of the plots of the Indians, and 
made preparations to meet their hostilities. They hoped, how- 
ever, that the threatened storm would pass by, as others had, 
and that peace would be preserved. But the insolence of Phi- 
lip, and the number of his adherents, increased daily ; and, in 
June, 1675, some of them entered the town of Swanzey, in 
Plymouth, where, after slaughtering the cattle and plundering 
the houses, they fired upon the inhabitants, killing and wound- 
ing several. 

The troops of that colony marched immediately to Swanzey, 
and were soon joined by a detachment from Massachusetts. 
The Indians fled, and marked the course of their flight by 



THl! UNITED STATES.' S5 

burning the buildings, and fixing on poles, by the way-side, 
the hands, scalps, and heads of the whites whom they had 
killed. The troops pursued, but, unable to overtake them, re- 
turned to Swanzey. The whole country was alarmed, and 
the number of troops augmented. By this array of force, 
Philip was induced to quit his residence at Mount Hope, and 
take post near a swamp at Pocasset, now Tiverton. At that 
place, the English attacked him, but were repulsed. Sixteen 
whites were killed ; and the Indians, by this success, were 
made bolder. 

At this time, most of the settlements were surrounded by 
thick forests, and the Indians lived intermixed with the whites. 
The former were acquainted, of course, with the dwellings of 
the latter, with their roads, and places of resort; could watch 
their motions, and fall upon them in their defenceless and un- 
guarded moments. Many were shot dead as they opened their 
doors in the morning ; many while at work in their fields, and 
others while travelling to visit their neighbours, or places of 
worship. At all times, at all places, in all emi)loynipnts, were 
their lives in jeopardy ; and no one could tell but that, in the 
next moment, he should receive his death-shot from his barn, 
the thicket, or the way-side. Whenever the enemy assembled 
in force, detachments were sent against them ; if weaker than 
these, they would retreat ; if stronger, assault and conquer 
them. Defenceless villages were suddenly attacked, the 
houses burned, and the men, women, and children killed or 
carried into captivity. Their ruin was the work of a moment ; 
and when accomplished, its authors vanished. 

The colonies, losing incividuals, families, and villages, found 
their numbers sensibly diminished, their strength impaired, 
and began to apprehend even total extinction. Nothing but 
a vigorous effort could save them. The commissioners met, 
and determined to despatch an army of a thousand men, to 
attack the principal position of the enemy. Josiah Winslow, 
governor of Plymouth, was appointed commander-in-chief ; 
and a solemn fast, to invoke the divine aid, was proclaimed 
throughout New England. 

On the 18th of December, the different bodies of troops 
formed a junction at a place in the country of the Narragan- 
setts, about fifteen miles from the enemy. The weather was 
extremely cold, but the men, from necessity, passed the night, 
uncovered, in the fields. At dawn of day, they began their 
march, wading through the deep snow, and, at one o'clock, 
arrived near the enemy's post, which was upon a rising 
ground, in the midst of a swamp. It was surrounded by pa- 
lisades, and on the outside of these was a fence of brush, a 
rod in width. 

Here was fought the most desperate battle recorded in the 



Mi ll!«iTORT or- 

(»{uly jvnuals of tho count ry. It oontimied ilnw hours. The 
Muglish obtninod a dt^cisivo vii'tory. Ouo thousand Indian 
Mnniors wtMv kiUod ; (hn'c huudivd nunv, ami as many wo- 
luon and ohiUlrtMi, wtM\> niadt> prisoners. Hut doarly was tho 
vioti>VY purchasod. Six hra\t> captains and tughty nu>n were 
kiUcd, and oi\c hundred and tlfty were Avounded, 

From tliis Mow i\\o ciinlederated Indians never recoveivd ; 
but they still remained suHiciently strv>ng io harass the settle- 
ments by continual inroads. In retaliation, the Mnglish sent. 
s»MiM*al detachments into their territorit^s, nearly all of which 
■were successful. Captain (Muirch o[' riymouth. and l'a[itain 
IVnnison iW (\>nnecticut. were conspicuous for their bravery 
and good tortum\ 

In the midst of these I'evei'see, Philip remained tirm and un- 
shaken. His warriors weiv cut otV; nis chief men, his wife 
mid family, wimv killed or taken pnsontus ; and at these suc- 
I'ecsive misfortunes lu^ is reprcsenttul io \n\\v w^ept with a bit- 
ttuness which pi-o\ ed hin\ to possess the nv^blest of hunian 
virtues and atVections. Ihit he disdainini to listen to any ef- 
forts ol' pi'ace ; he even slmt oiu» o\' his men, who proposed 
submission. At length, after beini;- hunted front swamp to 
swamn, he was himself shot, by tlu^ bn>ther oi' the Indian lu^ 
had killed. After his death, the riMunant of his followers either 
submitted to the Knglish or \niited with distant tribt>s. 

Never was peact^ more welcome, for never had war been 
more distressing-. The whole popidation was in mourning for 
relatives slain. IVearly a thousand hou.^i-s had been burned, 
and goods and cattle o\' grt^d value had bei^n plundertMl or 
destroyed. The colonies had ciuitracted a heavy debt, whicji. 
their resoiirces havmg- been so nnu-h diminished, they found an 
almost insupportable burden. Hut. in their deepest distress, 
they forbore to apply to the mvMlnu- country for assistance; 
and tins i>nussion excited surprise and jealousy. " You act." 
said n privy eounsellor. " .is though you were independent o( 
our mastiu's crown ; and though poor, yet you are proud." 

The construction of her charter by whieh INlassachusetts 
claiuuni and obtaintnl jurisdiction i>viM' New Hampshire, was 
not submitted to by the heir of ISlason. On application to the 
king, a dtnusion, after long' delay, was made in his favour. 
Appivhending the U>ss of Maiiu^ also, Massachusetts p\irchased 
i^f the heirs of (uu'ges their claim to the soil and jurisdiction 
for twelve hundred and fifty pounds. Considering that she 
now stood in the place of the pattuitee, she appointed Thomas 
Oan^M-th to be president of the province, as deputy of the 
proprietiu-. It was afterwards divided into two counties, 
York and Cumberland, and governed as a part of Massachu- 
sttts. 

The di?ivg«vd of the acts of trade had given great offeiic*^ 



THK UNITED SXATKII. £7 

f o th« mother country, and the govomorH of Now England 
won; poromptorily roc^uirod to enforce them. liut, being en- 
acted hy a parliament in which the coh>nieH were not repre- 
sented, they w(;re regarded aH violationH of their rightw, and 
continued to be (!vad(;d with impunity. Kdward Randolph 
waH th*,'refore went over, commiHHioned aH inHpector of the 
cuHtomH in New lOngh-ind. Ife wan alno the bearer of a h.'tter 
from the king, reijuiring that agentH Hhouhl be Hent to the 
court of fiOndon, fully (imijowcred to act for the cohmieB. 

It waH well underwtood to be thr; int(!ntion of the king to 
I)rocure, from the ag(;ntH, a Hurrender of the chart«!rH, or to 
annul them by a Huit in his courtH, that he might himwelf 
place ofliccTK ovf;r the coloni(;H, who would be KubHervient to 
hi« viewH. Uc. had by intimidation procured the* Hurrender, 
or by HuitH th(5 annulment, of many charterw in England and 
the colonieH. Tlu; {)eo[)le f(;lt that to be dfiprived of theirH, 
which Hecur(;d to them the rightn of Helf-governm(;nt, would be 
the greatcHt of calami ties. I{ut they w(.'re aware that they were 
weak, that the king waH arbitrary and all-powerful, and they 
hewitated what courm; to purHue. AgcjnlH w«;re deHjiatched, 
but inHtructed not to Hurreridt-r the charter ; and a faHt wan 
ap])ointed to be obHcrved thnjugh tin; c(>loriy. 'J'he agentw wrot(! 
back that tin; caH(; of the colony waH dcjHperat*;, and intimated 
that it might b(! adviHabh; to Hubmit to the king'K mercy by Hur- 
rendering. The Kubject waw fully diwcuHHed, not only by thone 
in olhce, but by the people; the opinion of many of the miniH- 
terH were given in writing; and the rcHult Heemed to be a 
determination rather "to die by the handn of otherH than by 
their own." At a late period, the aHniHtants voted to Hurren- 
der, but the reprcHentativcH voted not to concur. S(ie*ing no 
proHpect that the colony would Hubmit, the king cauHed a Huit 
to be innfrituted, and in June, I OH 1, the charter wan declared 
forfeited. 

All impf!dimentH to the exerciHe of the royal will bciing thuK 
removf'd. King ('harlcH II. ap[)ointed Colonel Kirk, infamouH 
for hJH atrociticH, governor over MaHsachuHettH, New Ilamp- 
fihire, Maine, and Plymouth; but, Charh-H dying Hoon after, 
the appointment became void, and .loHeph Dudhiy, who had 
been (me of tlu; agcjnlH in ilngland, waH appointed by bin huc- 
ceHHor, JameH II. Dudley wan Hoon Huperneded by the ap- 
pointment of Sir Edmund AndroH, who arriv«.'d in December, 
IHHf). ThiH aj)i)ointm(mt canned tin; moHt gloomy forebodingH. 
Sir Edmund had been governor of New York, and it waH 
known that hiH conduct there had been arbitrary and tyran- 
nical. 

Having Hecured a majority in the council, he aHsumed con- 
trol over the presH, app(nnting Randolph licenser. He ewta- 
G r, 



^ HIST©RT OF 

blisheA new and oppressive regntations concerning taxes, pub- 
lic worship, marriages, and the settlement of estates. He, 
and, by his permission, his subordinate officers e> torted enor- 
mous fees for their services. He declared that, the charter 
being cancelled, the old titles to land were of no validity, 
and compelled the inhabitants, in order to avoid suits before 
judges dependent on his will, to take out new patents, for 
which large sums were demanded. 

The hatred of the people was excited in proportion to their 
sufferings. In the beginning of 1(589, a rumour reached Bos- 
ton, that William, prince of Orange had invaded England, 
with the intention of dethroning the king. Animated b}' the 
hope of deliverance, the people rushed spontaneously to arms, 
took possession of the fort, seized Andros, Randolph, and 
other obnoxious persons, and placed them in confinement. A 
council of safety consisting of their former magistrates, was 
then organized, to administer the government until authentic 
intelligence should be received from England. 

In a few weeks, a ship arrived, bringing the glad tidings 
that William and ^lary were firmly seated on the throne. 
They were immediately proclaimed, in all the colonies, with 
unusal rejoicings. The people of IMassachusetts applied for 
the restoration of their old, or the grant of a new, charter. 
A definite ans-vver was deferred, but the council was authorized 
to administer the government, according to the provisions of 
the old charter, until further directions should be given. 
Andros, Randolph, and others were ordered home for trial. 

The northern and eastern Indians having, at the instigation 
of the French, made incursions into the colonies of New Eng- 
land and New York, and massacred many of the inhabitants, 
an attack, by land and water, upon Canada was resolved 
upon. The army, raised principally by New York and Con- 
necticut, proceeded no ftirther than Lake Chami)lain. The 
fleet, fitted out by Massachusetts, and commanded by Sir 
William Phijips, appeared before Quebec, but, hearing that 
the army had retreated, returned unsuccessful to Boston. 
Great expense had been incurred, the treasury was empty, 
and the men could not be dismissed without pay. In this 
emergency, the court voted that the requisite sum should be 
raised by a tax, and authorized an emission of colony notes, 
for sums from two shillings to ten i)0unds, which were passed 
to the men in discharge of their wages. These notes were to 
be received in payment of the tax which had been voted, and 
for all other payments into the treasury. At first, they ft^ll 
below par, but rose to par when the time arrived for the pay- 
ment of the tax. This was the iirst issue of paper money, or 
bills of credit — an expedient which was afterwards often 
resorted to, and, though it afforded relief at the moment, 



I 



THE tTKl%ED STATES. %9 

produced, in its consequences, extensive and complicated mis- 
chief. 

In the mean time, a new charter had been (granted to Mas- 
sachusc'ttH, which added Plymoath, Mairu;, and Nova Scotia 
to her territory. The only privih^ge it alhjwed to the people 
was, the choice of repnistnitatives. These were to elect a 
council, and both bodies were to constitute the legislative 
power. It reserved to the king the right of appointing the 
governor and lieutenant-governor. To the governor it gave 
the power of rejecting laws, of negativing the choice of coun- 
cillors, of appointing all njilitary or judicial officers, of ad- 
journing, and even of dissolving, the assenil^ly at pleasure. 
Laws, though apj)roved by him, might be abrogated by the 
king, within three years after th(Mr enactment. The right f)f 
voting, instead of being confined to church members, was 
granted to freeholders whose income was forty shillings ster- 
ling a-year, and to all who had forty pounds sterling personal 
estate. 

The king, to render the new charter niore acceptable, ap- 
pointed Sir William Phipps, a native of the province, go- 
vernor; and, in lGf)2, he arrived at lioston. Tlie new govern- 
ment w«.'nt into operation without any opptjsition from the 
inhabitants; and almost the first act of Sir AVilliam and his 
council was the institution of a court to try tlu' unfortunate 
victims of j)(>})uliir delunion, accused of witchcraft at SuleuK 

The belief ni this HU])post'd crimi' had been ho prcvah^nt in 
England, that parliaujent had enacted a law punishing it with 
death. Underthis law, uiultitudcs liad been tried and execut- 
ed iu that country, and two or three in Massachusf'ttH, some 
of whom acknowledged tliey were guilty. Accounts of these 
trials and conh'ssions, and jjarticularly of some trials before 
Sir Matthew Hah', a judge revered in the colonies, had been 
published and distributed throughout the country, 'i'hey were 
read, in a time of deep distress and gloom, by a jieople natur- 
ally sedate, and accustomed to regard Avith awe the surprising 
and unaccountable incidents and appeariuices which, in this 
new world, were ott^n presented to their conteniplati<m. 

In February, 1692, a daughter and niece of Mr. Paris, the 
minister of &ilem, were atTlicted with disorders affecting their 
bodies in the most singular manner. The i)h\scians, unable 
to account for their contortions, pronounced them bewitched ; 
and the children, hearing of ttiis, declared that an Indian 
woman, who liv(>d in the house, was the cauHe of their tor- 
ments. Mr. Paris concurred with the physicians. Several 
private fasts were kept at his house, and the gloom was in- 
creased by a solemn fast throughout the colony. 

The Indian woman confessed herself guilty The children 
were visited, noticed, and pitied. This encouraged them to 



60 HUTORY OF 

persevere, and other chiUhvii, either from sympathy or the de- 
sire of similar attentions, exhibited simihir contortions. A 
distracted old woman, and one Avholiad been a long time con- 
fined to her bed, >vere added to the list of the accnsed ; and, 
in the ]nojiress oi'iho infatuation, Avomen of mature age united 
Avith the children in their accusations. 

The accused Mere nniltiplied in pro})ortion to the accusers. 
Children accused tlieir parents, and parents their children. A 
word from those who were suj^l^osed to be atllicted occasioned 
the arrest of the devoted victim; and so hrmly convinced 
Avere the mai?istrates that tlie prince of darkness was in the 
midst of theui, usiui;- human instruments to accomplish his 
purposes, that the slightest testimony was deemed sutlicientto 
justify a connnitment for trial. 

The court speiially instituted for this purpose held a session 
in June, and afterwards several others by adjournment. Many 
M'ere tried, and received s^.uitence of death. A few pleaded 
guilty. Several were convicted upon testimony which, at 
other times, would not have induced suspicion of an ordinary 
crime, and some ujion testimony retracted after conviction. 
Nineteen were executed, and many yet renniined to bo tried. 

At this stage of tlie jn-oceedings, the legislature established, 
by law, a permanent court, by which the other was superseded, 
and fi.xed a distant day for its tirst session at Salem. In the 
meantime, the accusations multiplied, and additional jails were 
ivquired to hold the accused. The nnpt)stors, hardened by 
iuipunity and success, ascended from decrepit old women to 
respectable characters, and at length, in their ravings, named 
ministers Qf the gospel, and even the wife of the governor. 

The comnumity were thrown into consternation. Each felt 
alarm for himself, his family, and friends. The shock roused 
them to retlection. They considered more closely the charac- 
ter of the accusers; the nature of the alleged crime; the 
testimony, often contradictory, and never explicit ; and, more 
than all these, the high standing of some who were implicated ; 
and began to doubt whether they had not been too credulous 
and precii)it.tte. 

At the next term, the grand jury found indictments against 
fifty ; bnt, on trial, all were acipiitted except three, and them 
the governor reprieved. He also directed that all who were 
in prison sliould be set at liberty. A belief, however, of the 
charges, still lingered among the iieojile, and prevented any 
prosecution of the impostors. That all were imjiostors, can- 
not be believed. iNIany must have acted under the intluenceof 
a disordered imagination, which the attendant circumstances 
were well calculated to produce. 

In the first general court, under the new charter, were many 
of those who were members of the last under the old, and 



THB UNITED 8TATES. €1 

they made an almoHt hopelenH attempt to secure the privilegeH 
they had enjoyed. They pawHed an act declaring " that no tax 
or imiKJHition whatever shall be laid or levied on any of their 
majesties' subjects, or th<,'ir estates, but by the act and consent 
of the governor, council, and representatives of the people as- 
sembled in general court." This act was immediately disal- 
lowed. They passed another act prescribing the punishment of 
death for idolatry, blasphemy, incest, and manslaughter ; thus 
showing their abhorrence of crime was greater than their re- 
gard for life. This also was disallowed. Another act pro- 
vided that the real and personal estate of all who died intes- 
tate should be divided into equal shares, of which the eldest 
Bon should take two, and each of the other children one ; thus 
making an important alteration of the common law, which 
gave all the real estate to the eldest son, displaying the love 
of equality which then prevailed, and sufficient of itself to 
introduce and perpetuate free institutions. This law was 
allowed, as were also many others, of less importance, passed 
at the same session. 

The war with the French and Indians, which began in 
1690, was not yet terminated. For seven years were the 
frontier settlements harassed by the savages, and the Pmglish 
employed in exiniditions against them. A history of these 
would consist only of repeated accounts of Indian cunning 
and barbarity, and of English enterprise and fortitude. Peace 
between England and France, which took place in 1697; was 
followed by peace with the savages. 

But in a few years, war again broke out in P^urope, which 
was the signal for hostilities in America. The first blow fell 
upon Deerlield. In February, 1704, it was surprised in the 
night; about forty persons were killed, and more than one 
hundred made prisoners, among whom were Mr. Williams, 
the minister, and his family. The killed were scalped, and 
the prisoners commanded to prepan; for a long march to Ca- 
nada. On the second day, Mrs. Williams was so exhausted 
with fatigue, that she could go no further. Her husband 
solicited permission to remain with her; but the retreating 
savages, according to their custom in such cases, killed her, 
and compelled him to proceed. Before the termination of their 
journey, twenty more became unable to walk, and were in 
like manner sacrificed. Those who survived the journey to 
Canada were treated by the French with humanity; and after 
a captivity of many years, most of them were redeemed, and 
returned to their friends. 

New York having agreed with the French and the western 
Indians to remain neutral, these were enabled to pour their 
whole force upon Massachusetts and Xew Hampshire, the in- 
habitants of which, for ten years, endured miseries peculiar 



62 HISTOtlT OP 

to an Indian war, and more distressing than their descendants 
can well imagine. The enemy Avere at all times prowling 
about the frontier settlements, watching in concealment for an 
opportuuity to strike a sudden blow and fly with sulety. The 
women and children retired into tlie garrisons ; the men left 
their lields uncultivated, or laboured with arms at their sides, 
and with sentinels at every point whence an attack could be 
apprehended. 

Yet, notwithstanding these precautions, the enemy were 
often successful, killing sometimes an individual onl}^ some- 
times a whole family, sometimes a band of labourers, ten or 
twelve in number; and so swift were they in their movements, 
that but few fell into the hands of the whites. It was 
computed that the sum of one thousand pounds was expended 
for every Indian killed or made captive. 

In 1707, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode island 
despatched an armament against Port Royal, in Nova Scotia 
which was then in possession of the Trench. It returned 
without accomplishhig its object. In 1710, New England, 
assisted by a fleet furnished by the mother country, succeeded 
in reducing the i)lace ; and its name, in compliment to Queen 
Anne, was changed to Annapolis. 

The success of this enterprise encouraged the commander, 
General Nicholson, to visit England and propose an expedition 
against Canada. His proi)osition Avas adopted, and in June, 
1711, Admiral Walker, with a !!• et of iifteen ships of war and 
forty transports, bringing an army of veteran troops;, arrived 
at Boston. Taking on board two additional regiments he 
sailed from that port about the last of July. At the same 
time, General Nicholson repaired to Albany to take command 
of the troo[)s that M'ere to proceed by land. 

"When the fleet had advanced ten leagues up the River 
St. Lawrence, the weather became tempestuous and foggy. 
A difference of opinion arose concerning the course to be 
pursued, the English pilots recommending one course, and the 
colonial another. The admiral, entertaining, like all other 
English officers, an opinion of the abilities of the colonists cor- 
responding with their dependent condition, adopted the advice 
of his own pilots. Pursuing the course they recommended, 
nine transports were driven, about midnight, upon the rocks, 
and dashed to pieces. 

From every quarter cries of distress arose, conveying, 
through the darkne!-s, to those who were yet afloat, intelli- 
gence of the late of their comrades and of their own danger. 
The shrieks of the drowning pleaded powerfully for assistance, 
but none could be afforded until the morning dawned, when 
six or seven hundred, found floating on the scattered wrecks, 



I 



THE UNITED STATES. €3 

were rescued from death, more than a thousand having sunk 
to rise no more. Not a siugle American was lost. 

Weakened by this terrible disaster, the admiral determined 
to return to England, where he arrived in tlie month of Octo- 
ber. Thither misfortune attended him. On the 15th, his ship 
blew up, and four hundred seamen perished. The New Eng- 
land troops returned to their homes, and Nicholson, having 
learned the fate of tlie fleet, led back his troops to Albany. 
The next year, the colonies found no repose. In 171 3, France 
and England made peace at Utrecht, and, in the same year, 
peace was concluded with the Indians. 

Such was the destruction of lives in this war, that the popu- 
lation of New England was sensibly retarded. Her expenses 
were also enormous. Although the annual taxes paid by the 
inhabitants were greater than in any other portion of the Bri- 
tish empire, yet the colonies most exposed were burdened, at 
the close of the war, with a heavy debt, in the shape of bills 
of credit or i)aper money, which impeded their prosperity, 
perplexing individuals and the government in all their tran- 
sactions. 

In 1710, Samuel Shute, a colonel in the army of the cele- 
brated duke of Marlborough, was appointed governor. On his 
arrival in the province, he found the people divided into two 
parties, one in favour of a i)ublic bank, which had just been 
established, the other of the incorporation of a private bank. 
He joined the former ; the latter of course became hostile, and, 
led by a Mr. Cooke, opposed with virulence all his measures. 

In 1720, this party, embracing a majority of the representa- 
tives, elected their leader speaker. The choice was communi- 
cated to the governor, who interposed his negative. The 
house persisted in their choice, denying his right to interfere. 
The controversy continued several days, when the governor 
dissolved the assembly, and directed that a new election 
should be made by the [)eople. 

The charter not giviiiy, in express terms, to the governor, 
the power to reject a speaker, the people resolved to support 
their representatives, and nearly all ot them were again elected. 
AVhen met, to avoid a second dissolution, they chose a Mr. 
Lindall speaker; but, in a warm remonstrance to the gover- 
nor, condenmed his ccmduct, and ni-asserted their sole and ex- 
clusive right to choose their presiding olllcer. The Kcsaion 
was short, and but little was done that did not display the 
angry feelings of the bouse. Instead of six luindred pounds, 
the usual grant to the governor for half a year's salary, they 
approj)riat(.'d but live hundred, and, as a mark of their dis- 
pleasure, deferred that act until near t\w close of the session. 

At their next meeting, the same feelings prevailed, and the 
same diminished sum was voted. The governor then informed 



64 HISTORY OF 

them, that he had been iusti-ucted by the king to recommend 
to the assembly, to establish lor him a permanent and honour- 
able salary. The house, aware of the importance of retaining: , 
the power of granting: such sums as the governor might merit 
by his conduct, replied, that the subject Avas new, and ex- 
pressed a wish that the court might rise. AVith this request 
the governor complied. 

This disagreement continued, the ill temjier of both parties 
increasing, through several subsecpient sessions. The repre- 
sentatives, contident of the support of the people, refused to es- 
tablish a permanent salary for the governor, and often with- 
held the pittance they gave until he had sanctioned those mea- 
sures wliich they desired should be adopted, llis residence in 
the province being rendered, by this dispute, unpleasant, he 
suddenly and privately quitted it, in December, 1722. Upon 
his arrival in England, he exhibited charges against the house, 
of having made various encroachments upon the king's prero- 
gative which the agents of the province were instructed to 
answer and repel. 

He remained in England until 1728, when he resigned his 
office, and "William lUirnet, then governor of New York, was 
appointed his successor. In his hrst speech, he informed the 
house that he had received positive instruction from the king 
to insist on a i)ermanenf salary. The representatives, gener- 
ous of their money, but tenacious of their rights, apjn'opriated 
three hundred pounds for the expenses of his journey, and 
fourteen hundred pounds touards his support, not specifying 
for what time. The first sum he accepted, but absolutely de- 
clined receiving any compensation for his services, except in 
the mode of a tixed salary. 

The delegates were equally decided, and, having transacted 
all their necessary business, requested the governor, by mess- 
age, to adjouiTi them. He replied, that he could not comply 
with their request, as, if he did, he should put it out of their 
power io pay immediate regard to the king's instructions. A 
few days afterwards, the request was again made, and again 
denied. Messages, containing arguments and replies, were 
often interchanged by the parties. After two months had been 
consumed in the controversy, the governor, imagining the 
members were intiuenced by the citizens of Boston, transferred 
the general court to Salem. They Avere detained there two 
mouths ; Avere then alloAved to return to their homes ; Avere 
again assembled, after a short recess ; and, having sat seven- 
teen days, Avere again adjourned without exhibiting any symp- 
toms of compliance. 

A ucAA' assembly Avas elected, and held several sessions in 
the summer of 1729, displaying the same spirit as the former. 
In the mean time, information was transmitted from England, 



THE UNITED STATE*. 65 

that the king approved the conduct of the governor, and con- 
demned that of the houwe. Still the memberH continued in- 
•ilexible. In AuguHt, they were removed to Cambridge, "which 
served to exaHperate rather than to convince them. Here, 
hovi^ever, the controxerwy wan suHpended, for a time, by the 
death of th(? governor, which waH Hupposed to have been 
hantened by liiH unHuccewnful contest with the house of re- 
presentatives. 

His successor was Mr. Belcher, then agent in England. As 
he belonged to the popular party, his appointment gave rise to 
the expectation, that the instruction to obtain a permanent 
Balary was withdrawn. But from his first speech it appeared, 
that it was not only unrescinded, but enforced by a threat of 
punishment in case of refusal. 

The house, unintimidated by the threat, refused. The gover- 
nor, during the first two years of his administration, made 
several attempts to induce them to comply. All failing, he 
endeavoured to obtain a relaxation of his instructions. Per- 
mission was at l(;ngth granted that he might receive a parti- 
cular sum, which had been voted, and a similar permission 
was afterwards annually given. Thus ended a contest which 
prex)ared the people of Massachussetts to embark in another, 
in which more important rights were to be defended. 

These turbulent times were succeeded by a calm which con- 
tinued several years ; during which, however, the enemies of 
Governor Belcher, J^y incessant misrepresentation, deprived 
him of the favour of the ministry in England. In I 740, he 
was removed from office, and Mr. William Shirley appointed 
in his place. 

In 1 744, war again broke out between England and Prance, 
and the colonies were involved in its calamities. Their com- 
merce and fisheries suffered great injury from privateers, fitted 
out at Louisburg, a French port on Cape Breton. Its situa- 
tion gave it such importance, that nearly six millions of dol- 
lars had been expended on its fortifications. Mr. Vaughan, of 
New Hampshire, who had often visited that place as a trader, 
conceived the project of an expedition against it. He commu- 
nicated it to Governor Shirley, and, being ardent and enthusi- 
astic, convinced him that the (.'nterprise was practicable, and 
inspired him with his own enthusiasm. 

Having exacted of the general court an oath of secrecy, the 
governor, in January, 1 74.5, communicated to them the project. 
Many heard it with amazement. So strong was the place, 
and so weak, comparatively, were the colonies, that the 
thought of attacking it seemed rash and presumptuous. From 
respect to him, however, his proposal was referred to a com- 
mittee : they reported against it ; the house accepted the re- 



C6 HISTORY OF 

jiort, mid tho im>mbera dismissed fi-ora their minds all thoiiglits 
of tho oxj)edition. 

Duiiuu: tho sooivt doliborations, tJio pooplo >vatohod ^vith 
anxioty to nsoortaiii thoir objoct. Tlio disolosuiv Avas made 
by an honoi^t iiionibor, ^ho inoaiitiously, in his faiuily dovo- 
tions, prayod tor tho diviuo Mossing- mi tho at tonipt, should 
it bo niado. Tho pooplo -svoro instantly struok Avith tho ad- 
vantago of possossnig tho place. * Uhon tho decision Avas 
made known, a potitimi. signed by a largo number of mer- 
chants, was pivsonted io the general court, praying them to 
comply witli tho governor's proposal. The subject was again 
discussed, and a vote in favour of the o.xiitHlition was passed 
by a nnijority of one. 

The question was now decided ; and all who were before 
averse to the enterprise, united heartily with its supporters to 
carry it into execution. The other New England ivlonios 
woiv solicited, and agreed to furnish assistance ; and a boat 
was despatched to Connnodoro barren, in tho \Vost Indies, 
to invito his co-operation. Colonel l\>pperell was aj)j)oiuted 
commander-in-chief, and Roger Wolcott, of (\vnuecticut, 
second in command. 

In two mmiths, an army of more than four thousand men 
was enlisted, clothed, victualled, and oipiii^pod for sorvict^ in 
tho tour Now I'.ngland I'olonios, whirh did nv>t thou contain 
four luuulred thousand inhabitants. On tho '2m\ of Marph, tho 
desp;itch-boat returned from the M'ost ladies, with advice 
that C\)nnnodoiv M'arren declined furnishing aid. This intel- 
ligence was kept secret. Tho troops of Massachusetts em- 
barked, as though nothing discouraging had happont\! ; and 
about the middle of April, they, as well as thi>se sent by Con- 
necticut and New Hampshire, arrived safe at Canso. 

Conunodore Warren had but just despatched his answer, 
when he received m-ders to repair to Hoston with such ships 
as could bo spared, and concert measures with Governor Shir- 
ley for his majesty's service in North America. Ho sailed in- 
stantly ; but learning, in his course, that the transports had 
left lioston for t'anso, ho steered directly fi>r that place, where 
he arrived on tho 'i;>d of April. Ho added nnich to thoir naval 
strength, and much to that contidence which, by lu-omising, 
insures, victory. 

Several vessels of war, which had been sent to cruise before 
Louisbourg, had captured a number oi' French ships, and piv- 
vented any intelligence of tho expedition from reaching the 
enemy, fhese vessels wore daily in sight of the place, but 
wore sup|xised to be privateers, and caused no alarm. The 
appearance of the tloet, on tho 30th of April, gave the French 
the tirst intimation of thoir danger. 

The troops immediately landed : and the ne.xt day a detach- 



Tni-: rjKiTP.n wtatkh/ 67 

mcrif/ of four linTjclrcfl, rnarcliiriff ronrjfl llio hills, approadierl 
■williifi u tr)il(;of' 1li(;f^f!in'] hii.l,l«-ry,Hf'f,f,inK iin; to all ili<,* lifxjwjH 
and Htonm on tli<; way. Many of i\u;u(i conf,ain<;fl pitch and 
tar, which j^rofliiccd a thif;k Hniok<', that corni^lctcly cnv(;lopcfl 
the ifivadcrx. The fcarH of the J'rcnch wen; increjiMCfl hy their 
uriccrtijirif-y^ 'I'hey irria^^ined the whole army waM corninf< 
upon them, and, throwin}< their [jowder into a w(,'M, denerttjd 
the hatf(Ty, of which thf; ,\cw lingland troopH took poHKCHMion 
■without loHH. 

'J'hiH waH uncommon good fortune; biit the moHt difficult 
lahourH of the HJege nimained to be {jerformfid. Thf* cannon 
were to he drawn nearly two milcH, ov(;r a doe{) moraHH, in 
plain view, and within {<unHhot of the fn(!my'K principal forti- 
ficationH. I'or fourt<!<;ri nightH, th(! trciOpH, with Htrapw over 
th(!ir MhouldcTH, and Hinking to their kriecH in mud, were em- 
ph>ye,d in thin Hervi(;e. 

'Vhc. a{j[)roacheH wen; then bcgurj in fh(! mode which Heem(;d 
moHt proper tr» the nhrewd underHtandin>{H of untauq:ht militia. 
'J'hoHf' (>mc(!rH who w(;r{! nkilled in the art of war, talked of 
yj.f/zof/.s and rpaidr/rrumiH ; but th(! troopH made themHcIveH 
merry with tin; termn, and proc(Mfded in their own way. Ily 
the 20l,h of May, they had erected five fjiittericH, <^nf; of which 
mounfr-d liv(; forty-two jxJurjderH, and did great (jxecution. 

Me;inwhih; the flcf't, cruiHing in the harbour, had been 
e(|(jally HucceHHfiil. It captured a I'"rench Hhip of nixty-four 
KunH, h^.'jded wifh ntoren for the garriKon, to whom tin; Iohh 
wan HO diHtrcHHing aH to thf? beniegerH th(j capture wan fortu- 
nate. HnKlinh Mhi[m-of-war were, behid(;H, continually arriving, 
and added Huch Htrengfh to tlx,' fleet, that a combined attack 
upon the town waH resolved upon. The enemy, dincovering 
thiH dctrtign, deemed it unwiH(j to abide thr; hazard of an awsault. 
On the I.Ofh of June, the JVfincli commander jtropOHrjd a ceHHa- 
tion of hoHtiliticH, and, on th(» 17th, capitulatr-d. 

Inf(!lliKence of thiw (;vent, llyiriK Hwiltly thn>ugh the colonieH, 
diffused great and univ(!rKal joy. And well might the citi/en.s 
of New iirigland b(! (?l;i,ted with the glad tidings. Without 
<?v(!n a fluggtinf ion from the niother country, they had projected, 
and, witii but litth; aHHislancr;, had achieved, an enferpriHe of' 
vaMt iniijorfance to her and fo them. Their commerce and 
fiHhericH w(!r(! now necun?, all their maritime citieB relieved 
from all fear of attack from that quart(!r. 

J'rance, fired with reHentmfmt at her Iohh, made extraordi- 
nary exertionH to n.'trievc; it, and to inflict chaHtiHcment on 
New I'^ngland. The nt^xt Humnn^r, whe dcHpatched to the 
American coant a pow(;rful flt-et, carrui^K a large number of 
BoldierH. The newn of itH approach h]^Bw terror thnjughout 
New lltigland ; but an uncommon HucceHnion of diHanters, 
which the pioiiH of that time aftributed to the Hpecial interpo- 



68 HISTORY OF 

sition of Providence, deprived it of all power ti) inflict injury. 
After remaininjf a short time on the coast, it returned to 
France, having- lost two admirals, both of Avhom, it -was sup- 
posed, put an end to their lives through chagrin ; having, also, 
by tempests, been reduced to one half its force, and otVected 
nothing. 

In 17^!^, peace Avas concluded, each i>arty resK>ring all its 
prisoners and conquests — a striking, but not uncommon, illus- 
tration of the folly of -war. l<ouisbourg, though conquered by 
the colonies, -was exchanged, by Cireat Britain, for territories 
which she had lost in Kurojie. New England nmrmured at 
this injustice ; but what avails the murmurs of the weak ? 

From this period to the connnencement of the next French 
war, but few important events occurred iu ^lassachusetts. 
The bills of civdit which the colony had issued to defray its 
enormous expenditure, weiv redeemed by the government, at 
their dej^reciated value. This example was followed, though 
tardily, by the other governments. At the time of their re- 
demption, they >veiv an orth no more, in some colonies, than 
one-tenth, and in others, one-twentieth, of the sum for which 
they had been issued. 



CHAPTER IV. 
NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

Two of the most active members of the council of Plymouth 
were Sir Ferdinando liorges, and t'aptain John IMason. 
Gorges was governor of Plymouth, iu Fugland ; and having 
taken into his service three Indians brought from America, he 
learned from them many particulars of their country, and con- 
ceived sanguine hojH^s of making his fortune by despatching 
ships to explore it, and by carrying on trade with the natives. 
His tirst enterprises weiv unsuccessful ; but, nevertheless, he 
perseveivd. Mason was a merchant of London ; A\'as after- 
wards governor of Xewfouudland, where he acquired some 
knowledge of America ; was governor, also, of Portsmouth, in 
Hampshire; and, a vacancy occurring in the council, he was 
elected a member, and soon after appointed its secretary. 

In Iti'Jl, Mason obtained from the council a grant of all the 
land between the rivers Merrimac and Xaumkeag, which dis- 
trict was called Mariana. The next year. Gorges and Mason 
obtained a grant oLthe land between the Rivers Merrimac 
and Sagadahoc, e^^Ming back to the givat lakes, and the 
River of Canada ; and" this tract was called Laconia. In 1623, 
deeigning to establish a fishery at the River Pascatatpaa, they 



THE UNI'IKD M'lA'rL«i. 69 

Mf'nt over David Thom\)mu, Edward and William IJiitou, 
i'mhinouf/crH, with Hevoral othorw, in two diviHionH. (^>nfi landf^d 
on ihit Houthfirn Hli(;r(; of tho riv«,*r, callod tlio placf; Littlo Har- 
bour, cn'ctcd Hiilt work-j, and built a houne, which thoy called 
Manon Hall ; tin* otlif-r, h-d by the Hiltonn, net up thr-ir HtageH 
about fight inih.'H farther up the rivt-r, and called the })lace at 
firHt Northam, and afterwardn Dover. I'iHhing and trade. 
b(;ing the Hoh; ohj'.'ct of botli partieH, theHe HettlernentH iu- 
creawed hIowIj^ 

In IG2!i, M anon procured anotlier patent, granting the land 
betwe(;n I'iHcataqua and MerrJniac Rivern, and exf(,'nding sixty 
rnilcH into th(! country; and thiH tract he called \ew Jfanrjp- 
nhire. SubHe<juently the council granted to Kdward Hilton 
the land about Hilton'M I'olnt; and to Orjorgen, MaHon, and 
otherH, the land about Jiittle Harbour. For what reaHonw 
thcHe Heveral patentw wer(* grante-d, in not eaHily underntood 
at tluH day, and the fjucHtion iH not important. Trading with 
the nativcH, fiHhing, and the nriaking of Halt, were carried on at 
both placcH. In l(J.'{l,a house, called the Great House, waH 
built at Strawberry IJank, now I'ortHrnouth. 

The death of Manon, which occcrred in Hi.'Jo, retarded the 
progrcHH of tli(; K(;ttlernent at Little Harbour, which was under 
IiIh particular niau-'jgernent. 'J'he principal part of his estate 
in \ew Han)j)shire Ik; b(;<jueathed to hin grandson, Robert 
Tufton, on condition that \nt took the Hurnanie of Mason. In 
lO.'JH, .lohn Wheelwright, the brother of Mrs. Hutchinson, 
banished from Massachuetts for his Antinomian principles, 
came, with a number of his adherents, to .Sriuamscot Falls, 
when? they made a settlement, and called it Fxeter. lieliev- 
ing themK(.'lves to be out of the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, 
they combined into a separatfi body jjolitic, chose rulers, and 
took an oath to obey them. Wheelwright purchased of the 
Indians a tract of land round the Falls thirty miles square. 
It is now ascertained that this purchase was not made until 
Ifj.'iH, and that the; deed bearing date pn;vious to the grant to 
Mason was a forgery. 

Th(! widow and executrix of Mason, finding the expense of 
managing the estate in New Hampshire greater than the in- 
come, relin(juisli(;d the care of it ; and the men in her employ- 
ment divided among themselves the goods and catth*. It is 
said that a hundred oxen were driven to Boston, and there 
«old for twenty-five pounds, a-jjiece, that being the current 
price of the b(,'st oxen in New ilngland at that time. They 
were of a large breed imported from Denmark. 

Among th(! Antinomians who were banished from Massa- 
chusetts was C'aptain John Underbill. He had been a soldier 
in the Netherlands ; was brought to Massachusetts, by Gover- 
nor Winthrop, to train the people ju military discipline ; served 



70 HISTORY OF 

ill the Peiiuod war ; and \vi\s onco cliosou a representative lor 
Boston. lie was a singular oonipound of enthusiasm in reli- 
gion, turbulence in social lite, licentiousness in conduct, and 
bravery in Avar. Alter he and two contending- clergyman, 
Knollys and Larkham, had, for some time, kc])t l^over and 
Strawberry Bank in connnotion, he returned to Boston, and, 
in a large public assembly, made humble conlession of his sins, 
and especially of a crime severely punislied by our ancestors. 
The church restored liim to their connnunion, and afterwards, 
at their own expense, sent him, at the request itl the Dutch, 
to New York, where, in a war with the Indians, he distin- 
guished himself for his bravery and success. Knollys, after 
publicly confessing himself guilty, and Larkham, dreading the 
exposure, of the same crime, returned to England, and there 
l^roved the sincerity of tlicir religious opmions, by adh.ering to 
them, though persecuted for nonconformity. Knthusiasm, 
even when severe, is often only the result of natural fervour 
of temperament, and the same natural fervour often impels to 
the commission of wickedness. 

The i)eo])le of Dover and Strawberry Bank, not having any 
established government, combined themselves separately into 
a body politic, after the example of their brethren at Ext>ter. 
But the more considerate, sensible of tlieir weakness, proposed 
to place themsel'.es midcr the protection of Massachusetts. 
That colony contended that, by the most natural construction 
of her charter, they were within her limits; and, in 1G41, she 
gladly received them. Tliey and all the settlements in New 
Hampshire were governed as a part of that colony until the 
year 115S0. 

The Indian war, called Philip's war, which raged in the 
years U??.^) and lOTO, extended to New Hampshire; and the 
settlers on the Biscataipni and Oyster rivers sutfered severelj'. 
IMajor ^Valdron, of Dover, holding a Ci)mmission from INIassa- 
chusetts, conducted the war, in this region, on the jiart of the 
whites. In the winter of 1(575, some of the eastern tribes 
sued to him for i)eace, and by his mediation a treaty was con- 
cluded. After the death of Philip, many of his followers en- 
deavoured to conceal themselves among these tribes, but were 
pursued, and some, being caught, were executed. Others, 
rendered desperate, joined with the Indians farther east in 
connnitting depredations upon the settlers in Maine and New 
Hampshire. Massachusetts sent a body of troops against 
them, which, on arri\ing at Dover, lound there about four 
hundred Indians, belonging principally to the tribes with 
which ^Valdron luid made peace. The otlicers from Massa- 
chusetts, being ordered to seize all Indians who had been 
concerned in the war, insisted on attacking them at once ; but 
AValdrou dissuaded them, and contiived a stratagem to effecfc 



THE UNITED STATE«. 71 

iif'ir object. IIo proposed to the Indians to unite in a training- 
and sham fight, added his own troops to those from Massa- 
chus(!tts, and after the Indians had discharged their muskets, 
flurroundcd them, made ihcm all priHoners, and separating 
those with whom he had made peace from Ihose who had 
joined them, sent the latter to Boston, where some of them 
were executed, and the rest sold into slavery in foreign parts. 
The friendly Indians, though unharmed, accused Waldron of a 
breach of faith, alleging that thost; sent to Boston had been 
received, according to their usage, into their tribes, and since 
then they had committed no hosfilities. His conduct was 
very highly applauded by the whites, but the Indians never 
forgave him. 

In 1 075, Robert Mason, grandson and heir of John Mason, 
applied to Ihe king to obtain jjossession of the territory and 
rights which had been granted lo his ancestor. Notice of this 
application was given to Massachusetts, and the parties were 
heard before the king in council. In \(')T-U ^ decree was 
passed, that New Hampshire should be constituted a separate 
province, to be ruled by a president and council, who were to 
be appointed by the king, and a house of representatives, to 
be chosen by the people. No decision was made affecting the 
titles to land. 

John Cutt was appointed president, and, in 1080, the first 
assembly, consisting of eleven members, met at Portsmouth. 
At this session, a code of laws was adopted, of which the 
first, in a styh; worthy of freemen, declared, "that no act, 
imposition, law, or ordinance, should be imposed upon the 
inhabitants of the province, but such as should be made by 
the assembly, and approved by the president and council." 
This was twelve years previous to the enactment of a similar 
law in Massachusetts. By another law, idolatry, blasphemy, 
witchcraft, manstealing, cursing and rebelling against parents, 
and many other crimes, were made capital. 

In the same year, Edward Randolph, a kinsman of Mason, 
came over with the appointment of collector of the customs 
throughout New England. It was his duty to enforce the acts 
of trade and navigation, which, in New Hampshire as well as 
in all the other colonies, were considered violations of their 
rights, and oppressively unjust, because, for the sole benefit of 
England, they confined the trade of the colonies to English 
ports. Having seized a vessel belonging to Portsmouth, and 
bound to Ireland, he was prosecuted by the owner, and judg- 
ment obtained against him. Afterwards, he being absent, his 
deputy, Walter Barefoot, published an advertisement ref|uiring 
that all vessels should be entered and cleared with liim. He 
was thereupon indicted " for having, in a high and presump- 
tuous manner, set up his majesty's office of customs without 



72 HISTORY OF 

leave from the president and conncil," was convicted, and 
sentenced to \my a tine of ten pounds. The men of that day 
■\vere indeed men of nerve. 

Mason, who had been aj^pointed a member of the council, 
arrived at the same time in the colony. He assumed the title 
of lord ]n"0}n"ietor, claimed the soil as his property, and 
threatened to prosecute all who would not take from him 
leases of the lands they occupied. His pretensions were re- 
sisted by most of the inhabitants, M-ho claimed the fee simple 
of the soil by purchase from the Indians — a more righteous, if 
not more legal, title. 

Discouraged by the opposition he met with, he returned to 
England, and solicited a change in the government of the 
colony. Edward C'rantield was appointed lieutenant-governor. 
He was to receive, for his compensation, all the lines and for- 
feitures due and accruing to the king, and one tifth of all the 
rents due and accruing to Mason. He Mas authorized, by his 
commission, to negative all acts of the assembly, to suspend 
councillors, and to apjioint a deputy-governor and all colonial 
otWcei's. He did not hesitate to avow that he accepted the 
oftice with the expectation of enriching himself. 

On his arrival, in ll)S2, he suspended two councillors, 
Waldron and Martyn, a\ ho had been active in opjiosing ^la- 
son ; and in a short time, by new appointments, tilled all the 
ot^ces with his adherents. Mason then brought a suit against 
AValdron, to try the validity of his title. Waldron made no 
defence, and judgment Avas rendered against him. 3Iany 
other suits ^-ere brought ; no defence was made ; executions 
Avere issued, but only two or three were levied, and these 
levies "were inetVectual, for no one would purchase or take a 
lease of the lauds, and the former claimants continued to enjo}' 
them. 

The tyranny and extortion of Cranfield and his subordinates 
goaded the people to desivration : and they secretly sent an 
agent. Nathaniel Weare, to England with petitions for his re- 
moval. INlajor ^'aughan accompanied him to Boston ; and, it 
being known that he had been emj^loyed to procure depositions 
to be forwarded to the agent in London, he was, on some pre- 
text, committed to prison when he returned, and was kept 
nine months in contuiement. 

Greedy for more money than he could gain by extortion, 
Crantield suunnoned an assembly, and laid before them a bill 
for raising money to defend the province and to defray ofhc?' 
necessary charges. The assembly refused to pass the bill ; 
when he', in a" rage, told them that they had been to consult 
bloody and other enemies of the king and church of England, 
and dissolved them. In a spirit oi' revenge, he pursuaded the 
courts of sessions to appoint several of the members constables 



THK UNITED HTATKB. 73 

tot the ensuing year; Home of whom took the oath, and 
others paid the fine, wliich waH ten jjoundi*, and was one of 
his [H'niuiHiticH. 

This Moody wan a I'uritan ch-rgyman, who had rendered 
hiniwi'lf obnoxif>uH by the plainnesH of hiH pulpit diHcourHes, 
and had, rnor('r)V(;r, given offence by a highly-honourable en- 
forcciiH'iit of church diHcipline agaiuHt a man whose cause 
('ranli(?ld had «;HpouHed. 'I'lut penal lawn against non-confor- 
mistH were then (executed with great rigour in England ; and 
the governtjr, believing tiiat his conduct would not be disa- 
vowed by his sovereign, declared, by proclamation, that all 
ministf^rs, wlio should refuse to administer the Lord's »upj)er, 
according to the liciok of (^ommon Prayer, to any one re- 
quiring it, should Hufler the penalty imposed ?)y the statute of 
uniformity. A short time after, he gave notice to Moody that 
he intended to partake of th(; Lord's supper the next Sunday, 
and n^fjuiriid him to administer it according to the Liturgy. 
Moody refused, and was indicted fur his refusal. At first, four 
of th(! six justices were for ac([uittiiig him ; but the trial being 
adjojirned, ('ranli(;ld found means to change the opinions of 
two of the four ; and he was sentenced to six month's con- 
finement. The two justices, who remained inflexible, were 
removed from all their oflJces. 

N(jtwithHfaudi!ig the governor's efforts to ]jrevent it, depo- 
sitions proving his misconduct wen? forwarded to London ; 
the lords of trade made a re[)ort censuring his conduct ; and 
he, having pniviously soliciied leave of absence, was allowed 
to return, and, on his arrival in JOngland, was made collector 
of Barbadoes. Walter Barefoot was appointed deputy-go- 
vernor, and held the ollice until Joseph Dudley was commis- 
sioned jjresident ov(r all New England. 

For several years, the same gov(;rnor jjresided over Mas- 
sachusetts and New Mamijshirc*. After Andros was deposed, 
the inhabitants of the latter colony desired to be incorporated 
with their fornu'r bnjthren. Their recpiest was opposed by 
Samael Allen, who had purchased Mason's title, and was re- 
fused. Allen was made governor of the colony, and, by his 
influence, John Usher, his son-in-law, was appointed lieuten- 
ant-governor Under his adminstration, the disputes occa- 
sioned by adverse claims to land continued to rage with in- 
creased violence. Other suits were instituted, and judgments 
obtained : but the sherill' was forcibly resisted by a powerful 
combination, v/henever he attempted to' put the plaintifl' in 
possession. 

From Indian wars this colony suffered more than any of 
her sisters. The Indians who had Vjeen dismissed unarmed by 
Major Waldron had not forgotten what they considered hiH 
D 



74 HISTORY OF 

breacli of faith ; some of those who had been sold into slavery 
had returned, and thirsted for revenge. Nonv canses of otVence 
had been given by Cranlield; and C'astine, a Frenchman, who 
had a trading establislnnent east of the Penobscot, having 
been wronged , as he thouglit, by Andros, iuilamed their ani- 
mosity. In lt)8i), though peace prevailed, several tribes nnited 
to snrprise Dover, and take vengeance on Waldron. 

Having determined upon their plan of attack, they employed 
more than their usual art to lull the suspicions of the inhabi- 
tants. So civil and respectlul was their behaviour, that they 
often obtained permission to sleep in the fortitied houses in the 
town. On the evoiiing of the fatal night, they assembled iu 
the neighbourhood, and sent their women to apply for lodgings 
at the houses devoted to destruction ; who were not only ad- 
mitted, bnt were shown how they could open the doors should 
they have occasion to go out in the night. 

AVhen all was ipiiet, the doors were opened, and the signal 
given. The Indians rushed into AValdron's house, and has- 
tened to his apartment. Awakened by the noise, he sei/.edhis 
sword, and drove them back, but, when returning for his other 
arms, was stunned with a hatchet, and fell. They then 
dragged him into his hall, seated him in an elbow-chair, upon 
along table, and insultingly asked him, "Who shall judge 
Indians now?" After feasting npon provisions which they 
compelled the rest of the family to procure, each one, with a 
knife, cut gashes across his breast, saying, " I cross out my 
account." When, weakened with the losci of blood, he was 
about to fall from the table, his own sword was held under 
him, M'hich put an end to his misery. 

At other houses, similar acts of crueltj'' were perpetrated. 
In the whole, twenty-three persons were killed, twenty-nine 
carried prisoners to Canada, and n\ostly sold to the French. 
Kemembering kindness as well as injury, they spared one wo- 
man, who, thirteen years bei'ore, had conferred a favour on one 
of the party. ^lany houses A^'ere burned ; much property 
was plundered ; and so expeditious were the Indians, that 
they had tied beyond reach before the neighbouring people 
could be collected. 

The war thus commenced was prosecuted with great vigour. 
The French, by giving premiums for scalps, and by purchasing 
the English prisoners, aniinated the Indians to exert all their 
activity and address, and the frontier inhabitants endured the 
most aggravated sufferings. The settlements on Oyster River 
were again surprised; twenty houses were burned, and nearly 
one hundred persons were killed or made prisoners. Other 
towns were attacked, many persons slain, and many carried 
into captivity. The peace of Kyswick, into 1097, closed the 



THE UNITED STATES. 75 

! difltreRsirig Hcenc. Fn 1703, another war began, which con- 
■ tinuod ten yearH. 

A colony of Scotch ProHbyterians liad removed to Ireland 
i in the reign of JarneH I. TIkj ijerHtiCutionn which they 8uf- 
j fured in Hubs(!([uent reignH induced many of them to Heek a 
I home in America : and in 171^, about one hundred families ar- 
1 rived, in five nliipH, at Boston. After intjuiry, a part of them 
determin(!d to settle at a place called Nutfield, in New Ilamp- 
Bhire. In the Bpring of the next year, they r(?paired to that 
place, and on the lirHt evening after their arrival, listened to a 
sermon und(!r a large oak, from JameH M'CJregor, whom they 
afterwardH called to be their minister. They introduced the 
foot Hpinning-wheel, the njanufacture of linen, and the cul- 
ture of potatoes. Tlie town was al'terwardn incorporated by 
the name of Londonderry, from a city of that name in Ireland, 
in which Home of th(; emigrants had endured the hardahips of 
a memorable siege. 

These emigrants, unable to procure any other title, obtained 
such as Colonel Wlieelwright could give by virtue of a license 
granted, nearly one; huncfred years before, by the Indians, to 
John Wheelwright, his ancestor. The people witnessed with 
dissatisfaction this appropriation, by foreigners, of land which 
they had defended. It was the interest of all that the settle- 
ments should be extended ; many residents of the colony were 
anxious to obtain grants ; but the claim of the assignees of 
Mason was in the way. At length, petitions being presented, 
notice to all claimants given, and no objections made, the go- 
vernor, 1 722, granted the townships of Ciiester, Nottingham, 
Barrington, and Rochester. Previously, but few settlements 
had been made beyond the original limits of Exeter, Ports- 
mouthand Dover. 

From 1722 to 172G, the inhabitants again suffered the afflic- 
tions of an Indian war. Following the example of the French, 
the goverrmient offered premiums for scalps, which induced 
several volunteer companies to undertake; expeditions against 
the enemy. One of these, commanded by Captain Lovewell, 
was greatly distinguished, at firnt by its success, and after- 
wards by its misfortunes. 

A history of these Indian wars might be interesting, but 
would not be instructive. An account of tlie continual quar- 
rels between the assignees of Mason and the people ; between 
the governors and the assemblies ; between tlie governors and 
lieutenant-governors ; and between Massachusetts and New 
Hampshire concerning boundaries, would be neither. It may 
not b(! iinim})ortant to allude to the frequent contests between 
the surveyors of th(! king's woods and the people. It was the 
duty of this oflicer to mark, with a broad arrow, all pine trees 
fluitable for the royal navy ] and these the people were for- 



76 HISTORY 0** «|j 

bidden to c\.ti. The prohibition was often violated, and prose- 
cutions were frequently instituted. Sometimes logs were 
seized at the null, and then forcible resistance was not un- 
usual. Once the surveyor, with his assistants, went to ICxe- 
ter to seize logs, but on the evening of his arrival was at- 
tacked by a party dressed and painted like Indians, and se- 
verely beaten. The dispute about boundaries was decided, 
by the king, contrary to the plain letter of the charters, in 
favour of New Hampshire, for the reason, it has been hinted, 
that, by so deciding, the land bearing the best of mast trees 
would be assigned to her, in which case they Avould be the 
]iroperty of the crown, while all that grew in INIassachusetts 
belonged to that colony. 

Long after the transfer from INIason to Allen, some defect in 
the conveyance was discovered, which rendered it void. In 
174G, John Tufton Mason, a descendant of the original grantee, 
claiming the lands possessed by his ancestors, conveyed them, 
for fifteen hundred pounds, to twelve persons, subsequently 
called the IMasonian proprietors. They, to silence opposition, 
voluntarily relinquished their claim to the lands already occu- 
pied by others. 

They also granted townships on the most liberal terms. 
Eeserving certain portions of the land for themselves, for the 
iirst settled ministers, and for schools, they required merely 
that the grantees should, within a limited time, erect mills 
and meeting-houses, clear out roads, and settle ministers of 
the gospel. In process of time, nearly all the IMasonian lands, 
being about one fourth of the whole, were, in this manner, 
granted; and contention and lawsuits ceased to disturb the. 
repose, and to impede the prosperity, of the colony. 



CHAPTER V. 

KHODE ISLAND. 

In the history of INIassachusetts it has been stated that Roger 
"Williams, a clergyman of Salem, was, in 1634, banished from 
that colony. He did not immediately depart : but in January, 
lG3t>, learning that preparations were made to send him to 
England, he left his home, and, after wandering in the M'oods, 
and residing many weeks with the Indians, arrived and seated 
himself at Seekonk. The governor of Plymouth warned him 
that tlie place was within the limits of that colony; and he 
therefore, in June, descended the PaAvtucket, and, turning 
round Fox Point, slaked his thirst at a si)rii:g on the bank, 
which is vet shown to the curious in traditionary lore. Near 



Ji 



THR UNITED STATES. 77 

this Spring he erected his habitation; and, in grateful acknow- 
ledgment of " God's merciful providence to him in his dis- 
tress," he called the place Providence. 

lie; found the land on which he had seated himself to be 
within the territory of the Narraganset Indians. In 1038, he 
j)urchased it of Canonicus and Miantonomoh, two of their 
chiefs. He divided it freely among all who would come and 
dwell upon it, '' reserving to himself not one foot of land, nor 
one tittle of political power," Many soon settled around him ; 
magistrates were not known ; the people in a body exercised 
legislative, judicial, and executive power. It was one of the 
charges against him in Massachusetts, that he had avowed the 
doctrine that '^ to punish a man for matter of conscience is 
persecution." In his exile, he adhered to that doctrine; he 
welcomed all who came ; and the patriarch of the settlement 
would allow no one to be answerable for his religious 
0})inions at any tribunal but his Maker's. The charter of 
Maryland was the first that secured liberty of conscience to 
all Christian sects ; the charity of Roger Williams embraced 
.Tews, Mohammedans, and all the heathen. 

His benevolence was not confined to his civilized brethren. 
Pie laboured to enlighten, improve, and conciliate the savages. 
He learned their language, travelled among them, and gained 
the entire confidence of their chiefs. He had often the happi- 
ness, by his influence over them, of saving from injury the 
colony that had proclaimed him an outlaw, and driven him 
into the wilderness. 

In 1038, William Coddington, and seventeen others, being 
persecuted for their religious tenets in Massachusetts, fol- 
lowed Williams to Providence. By his advice, they purchased 
of the Indians the Island of Aquetnec, now called Rhode 
Island, and removed thither. Coddington was chosen their 
judge, or chief magistrate. The fertility of the soil, and the 
toleration of all Christian sects, attracted numerous emigrants 
from the adjacent settlements. 

When the New England colonies, in 1G43, formed their 
memorable confederacy, Rhode Island applied to be admitted 
a member. Plymouth obje.cted, asserting that the settlements 
were within her boundaries. Tiie commissioners decided that 
Rhode Island might enjoy all the advantages of the con- 
federacy, if she would submit to the jurisdiction of Plymouth. 
She declined, proudly preferring independence to all the bene- 
fits of dependent union. 

In 1 043, Williams went to England as agent for both set- 
tlements; and the next year obtained, by the influence of Sir 
Henry Vane, a patent from the parliament, then exercising 
the supreme power, by which the towns of Providence, New- 
port, and Portsmouth were incorporated, with the power of 



78 HISTORY OF 

goveniing themselves. In 1647, all the freemen met at Ports- 
mouth were incorporated, enacted a code of laws, and esta- 
blished a civil government. An assembly was constituted, to 
consist of six representatives from each town ; and the exe- 
cutive and supreme judicial power was vested in a president 
and four assistants. Town courts were established for the 
trial of small causes, with an appeal to the president and as- 
sistants. 

The executive committee of parliament had given to Cod- 
dington a commission to govern the islands in the bay. This 
interfered with the patent which liad been granted at the so- 
licitation of Williams, and threatened the dismemberment of 
the colony. In 1651, he and John Clarke were appointed 
agents, and sent to England to persuade the committee to 
withdraw the commission. Again he sought the assistance of 
Vane, and again succeeded. He returned to Rhode Island ; 
Clarke remained in Loudon, and long acted as the faithful 
agent of the colony. 

Upon the application of the inhabitants, the king, in 1663, 
granted a charter incorporating the colony of Rhode Island 
and Providence Plantations. It declared that no person should 
be molested or called in question for any difference in matters 
of religion. For the government of the colony, it vested the 
supreme power in an assembly, to consist of a governor or 
deputy-governor, ten assistants, and representatives from the 
several towns, all to be chosen by the freemen. This charter 
still remains in force ; the state not having, like her sisters, 
formed a constitution for herself 

The benevolence, justice, and pacific policy of Williams se- 
cured to the colony an almost total exemption from Indian 
hostility. He continued to reside at Providence, sometimes, ^ 
by the choice of the people, continuing to hold the office of 
president, sometimes that of assistant, and sometimes that of 
deputy. He died in 1683, in the eighty-fourth year of his 
age. 

When Andros was made governor of New England, he dis- 
solved the charter government of Rhode Island, and ruled the 
colony with the assistance of a council appointed by himself. 
After he was deposed and imprisoned at Boston, the freemen 
met at Newport, and voted to resume their charter. All the 
officers who had been displaced three years before were re- 
chosen ; and all accepted the several offices, but Walter Clarke, 
who was re-chosen governor. In his stead, the assembly ap- 
pointed Henry Bull, a Quaker, the only one living of all who 
came with Coddington, in 1638. 

The colony, happily situated for commerce, cheaply go- 
verned, too small to attract the cupidity of England, increased 
continually in wealth and population. In 1730, the number 



THE UNITED STATES.' *J0 

of inhabitants was eighteen thousand ; in 1761, it was forty 
thousand. Brown University was founded at Warren in 
1 704, and was removed, a few years after, to Providence. It 
takes its name from Nicholas Brown, who gave to the institu- 
tion five thousand dollars. 



CHAPTER VI.. 

CONNECTICUT. 

In the year 1630, the Plymouth company granted to the Earl 
of Warwick, and in 1631, the earl assigned to Viscount Say 
and Seal, Lord Brook, and others, the territory which now con- 
stitutes the state of Connecticut. Among tlie assignees, be- 
sides those mentioned, were Rich, Fiennes, Pym, and Hamb- 
den, distinguished Puritans, and active friends of liberty in the 
contest between King Charles and the parliament. So little 
was then known of the geography of the country, that the 
grant was made to extend, in longitude, from the Atlantic to 
the South Sea or Pacific Ocean. It was upon this clause in 
her charter, that Connecticut, long afterwards, founded her 
claim to land in Pennsylvania and Ohio. 

About the time of the date of the grant, a chief of an Indian 
tribe which owned the country on Connecticut River, visited 
Plymouth and Boston, and earnestly solicited the respective 
governors to make a settlement on that river. He described 
the country as exceedingly fertile, and promised to pay eighty 
beaver-skins a year to the one who should comply with his re- 
quest. It is sujjposed that his object was, not only to profit 
from the trade of the English, but to secure their aid to pro- 
tect his tribe from their enemies, the Pequods. Mr. Winslow, 
the governor of Plymouth, and a few others, accordingly vi- 
sited the country, and selected a place near the mouth of the 
little river in Windsor, for the establishment of a trading 
house. 

The Dutch at New York, apprised of this project of the 
English, determined to anticipate them, and immediately des- 
patched a party, who erected a fort at Hartford. In Septem- 
ber, 1633, a company from Plymouth, having prepared the 
frame of a house, put it on board a vessel, and, passing the 
fort, conveyed it to the place previously selected. In October, 
they raised, covered, and fortified it with palisades. The 
Dutch, considering them intruders, sent, the next year, a band 
of seventy men to drive them from the country ; but, finding 
them strongly posted, they relinquished the design. 

In the autumn of 1635, many of the inhabitants of Dorches- 



80 HISTORY OF 

ter and Watertown, in Massachussets, hjvmg heard of the 
fertile meadows on Connecticut River, removed thither, and 
began settlements at Weatherslield and Windsor. During the 
next winter, their sufferings from famine were extreme. So 
destitute were they of provisions, that many, in dread of 
starvation, returned, in December, to Massachussets. In their 
journey through the dreary wilderness, at this inclement sea- 
son, they encountered indescribable hardships. 

In the same year, the assignees above named, desirous of 
commencing a settlement, sent over, as their agent and go- 
vernor, Mr. John Winthrop, of Massachussets, with instruc- 
tions to erect a fort at the mouth of the river, and commo- 
dious houses, as well for settlers, as for such gentlemen of 
quality as might determine to emigrate. Hearing, at Boston, 
where he landed, that the Dutch were preparing to take pos- 
session of the same place, he repaired thither immediately, be- 
gan his fort, and mounted his cannon. A few days afterwards, 
a party of Dutch troops arrived, but were not permitted lo 
land. 

The next spring, those who had been compelled by famine 
to revisit Massachussets, returned to Connecticut. In June, 
the Rev. Thomas Hooker, of Cambridge, " the light of the 
western churches," and about one hundred men, women, and 
children, belonging to his congregation, left their homes to 
establish themselves on Connecticut River. Their route lay 
through an unexplored wilderness. They travelled on foot, 
drove their cattle before them, and subsisted on the milk of 
their cows. They had no guide but the compass, no shelter, 
no pillow, and no guard. IMany had recently left England, 
where they had lived in comfort and affluence. Mrs. Hooker 
was borne on a litter. They were nearly a fortnight on their 
journey, travelling but ten miles a day. They seated them- 
selves at Hartford, having first purchased lands of the Indians. 

In 1637, all the settlements in New England were involved 
in hostilities with the Pequods, a tribe of Indians inhabiting 
New London d.nd the country around it. Some account of 
this war has been given in the history of Massachussets. Pre- 
vious to any expedition against them, they had killed many of 
the emigrants to Connecticut, had captured others, and tor- 
tured them to death. In the short war which followed, their 
surviving brethren, for bravery in battle, and fortitude in suf- 
fering, were not surpassed by any portion of the English 
troops. 

At first, the emigrants acknowledged the authority of Mas- 
sachussets. In January, 1639, the freemen, having convened 
at Hartford, adopted a constitution for themselves. They or- 
dained that two general courts, or assemblies, should be held 
annually, one in April, the other in September ; that at the 



THE UNITED STATES. 81 

court held in April, st3^1ed the Court of Election, all the free- 
men should assemble together, and choose a governor, six ma- 
gistrates, and all the public officers ; that the several towns 
should choose deputies, who should meet, as well when the 
court of election was held, in April, as in September, and 
the}'', in conjunction with the governor and magistrates, should 
have jiower to enact laws, " and, for want thereof, according 
to the rule of the word of God." At this time, the colony- 
consisted of only three towns, Windsor, Hartford, and 
Wethersfield ; each of which was empowered to send four 
deputies. 

In the same year, George Fenwick, one of the patentees, 
came over with his family, and settled at the mouth of the ri- 
ver. In honour of Lord Say and Seal, and Lord Brook, he 
called the place Saybrook. Others afterwards joined him, and 
for several years they were governed by their own magistrates 
and laws. In 1644, Mr. Fenwick, for seven thousand dollars, 
assigned to the general court of Connecticut the fort at Say- 
brook, and all the rights conferred by the patent from the Ply- 
mouth Company in England. This settlement then became a 
part of the colony. The claim of Plymouth colony, founded 
upon their having first made an establishment at Windsor, 
had been previously purchased. 

In the mean time, another colony had been planted within 
the limits of the Connecticut patent. In June, 1637, two large 
ships arrived at Boston from England, having on board Mr. 
Davenport, Mr. Eaton, and many others, whom pious motives 
had impelled to emigrate to New England. Being highly re- 
spectable, and some of them possessing great wealth, the ge- 
neral court of Massachussets, desirous of detaining them in 
the colony, offered them any place they might select for a 
plantation. 

Wishing, however, to institute a civil and religious commu- 
nity, conforming in all things to their peculiar principles, they 
removed, the next year, to Quinnipiac, which they called New 
Haven. Soon after their arrival, at the close of a day of fast- 
ing and prayer, they subscribed what they termed a Plantation 
Covenant, solemnly binding themselves, " until otherwise or- 
dered, to be governed in all things, of a civil as well as reli- 
gious concern, by the rules which the Scripture held forth to 
them." They purchased of the natives large tracts of land, 
and laid out their town in squares, designing for a great and 
elegant city. 

In 1639, all the free planters, assembled in a large barn, pro- 
ceeded to lay the foundation of their civil and religious po- 
licy. They resolved that none but church members should bo 
allowed the privilege of voting, or be elected to office; that all 
D 5 



82 HISTORY OF 

the freemen of the colony should annually assemble, and elect 
the officers of the colony ; and that the word of God should 
be the only rule for ordering the affairs of the commonwealth. 
Such was the original constitution of New Haven ; but as the 
population increased, and new towns were settled, different 
regulations were adopted, and the institutions and laws be- 
came gradually assimilated to those of Connecticut. 

With the Dutch at New York, both colonies had constant 
and vexatious disputes. The former claimed all the territory 
as far east as Connecticut River : the latter complained that 
the Datch often plundered their property ; that they sold guns 
and ammunition to the Indians, and even encouraged them to 
make war upon the English. The fear of attack from that 
quarter was one of the reasons which, in 1643, induced the 
colonies of New England to form a confederation for their 
defence. 

The criminal code of Connecticut was completed in the 
year 1642. Idolatry, blasphemy, witchcraft, unnatural lusts, 
man-stealing, cursing or smiting father or mother, and several 
other crimes, were made punishable with death. In the sta- 
tute, the several passages of Scripture, upon which the various 
enactments were founded, were referred to. 

Tobacco having just begun to come into use, a law was 
passed, in 1647, that no person under twenty years of age, nor 
any other who had not already accustomed himself to the use 
of it, should take any, without having obtained a certificate 
from a physician that it was useful to him, and also a license 
from the court. The penalty was a fine of sixpence, which 
was ordered to be paid "without gainsaying." 

In 1650, a treaty of amity and partition was concluded at 
Hartford, between the English and Dutch, the latter relin- 
quishing their claim to the territory of Connecticut, except 
the lands which they actually occupied. Soon after, England 
and Holland were involved in war with each other, but their 
colonies in America agreed to remain at peace. Notwith- 
standing this agreement, the Dutch governor was detected in 
concerting with the Indians a plot for the total extirpation of 
the English. 

Connecticut and New Haven were alarmed ; a meeting of 
the commissioners of the united colonies was called, and evi- 
dence of the plot laid before them. A majority was in favour 
of war; but the colony of Massachusetts, being remote from 
the danger, Avas averse to it. As she was much stronger than 
either of the others, it was, at the suggestion of her deputies, 
resolved that agents should first he sent to demand of the 
Dutch governor an explanation of his conduct. 

The agents obtained no satisfactory explanation. On their 
return, another meeting of the commissioners w^» held af 



THE UNITED STATES. S3 

Boston, additional testimony was laid before them, and seve- 
ral ministers of Massachusetts were invited to assist at their 
deliberations — a practice not unusual at that period. The 
ministers, after considering' the subject, declared, " that the 
proofs of the execrable plot, tending to the destruction of the 
dear saints of God, were of such weight as to induce them to 
believe the reality of it ; yet they were not so fully conclusive 
as to bear up their hearts with the fulness of persuasion which 
was meet in commending tlie case to God in prayer, and to 
the people in exhortations ; and that it would be safest for 
the colonies to forbear the use of the sword." But all the 
commissioners, except one, were of opinion that recent aggres- 
sions justified, and self-preservation dictated, an appeal to the 
sword. They were about to declare war, when the general 
court of Massachusetts, in direct violation of one of the articles 
of the confederation, resolved, " that no determination of the 
commissioners, though all should agree, should bind the colony 
to engage in hostilities." 

At this declaration, Connecticut and New Haven felt alarm- 
ed and indignant. They considered the other colonies too 
weak, without the assistance of Massachusetts, to contend 
with the Dutch and their Indian allies. They argued, en- 
treated, and remonstrated, but she continued inflexible. They 
then represented their danger to Cromwell, and implored his 
assistance. He, with his usual promptitude, sent a fleet for 
their protection, and for the conquest of their enemies ; but 
peace in Europe, intf^Uigence of which reached New England 
soon after the arrival of the fleet, saved the Dutch from sub- 
jugation, and relieved the colonies from the dread of massacre. 

After Charles II. was restored to the throne, Connecticut 
applied to him for a royal charter. A trifling circumstance 
induced him, forgetting all his arbitrary maxims, to comply 
with her wishes to their utmost extent. Her agent, Mr. 
Winthrop, having an extraordinary ring, which had been given 
to his grandfather by Charles I., presented it to his son. He 
immediately granted a charter more liberal in its provisions 
than any that had yet been granted, and confirming, in every 
particular, the constitution which the people had themselves 
adopted. 

This charter comprehended New Haven; but, for several 
years, the people of that colony utterly refused to consent to 
the union. In this opposition to the commands of the king 
and the remonstrances of Connecticut, they persevered until 
1665, when the apprehension of the appointment of a general 
governor, and of their being united with some other colony, 
having a charter less favourable to liberty, impelled them, 
though reluctantly, to yield. 

In the war with Philip., which began in 1 675, Connegtiput 



84 HISTORY OF 

suffered less than her sister colonies. Her aid, however, in 
full proportion to her strength, was always freely afforded ; 
and no troops surpassed her volunteers in bravery and enter- 
prise. A large number, and many of them officers, were killed 
at the assault upon the fort at Narraganset. 

When Charles II., in 1664, granted the New Netherlands to 
the duke of York, the territory of Connecticut was included 
in the same patent. In 1675, Major Andros, who had been 
appointed his governor by the duke, came by Avater, with an 
armed force, to Saybrook, to take possession of the fort at 
that place. Information of his purpose had been communi- 
cated to Deputy- Governor Leet, who despatched Captain 
Bull, with a detachment of the militia of Hartford, to oppose 
him. On his arrival there, he found the fort already manned 
by the militia of the place. Major Andros, being permitted 
to land, directed his secretary to read his commission in pre- 
sence of the assembled people. Captain Bull, with resolute 
voice and manner, commanded the secretary to forbear ; and 
proceeded himself to read a protest which had been forwarded 
by the assembly, then sitting at Hartford. The major, seeing 
himself the weakest, and pleased with Bull's boldness and 
soldier-like appearance, told him his horns ought to be tipped 
with gold, desisted, and returned to New York. 

The lords of trade and plantations, desirous of obtaining in- 
formation concerning the colonies, forwarded certain queries 
to the several governors, which they were requested to 
answer. By the reply of the governor of Connecticut, dated in 
1680, it appears that the colony then contained twenty-six 
towns ; that the militia consisted of two thousand five hun- 
dred and seven ; that the annual exports amounted to forty- 
four thousand dollars ; that the whole number of trading ves- 
sels was twenty-seven, the tonnage of which was one thou- 
sand and fifty tons. The population is supposed to have been 
about twelve thousand. 

In 1686, King James II., desirous of annulling, not only the 
charters which had been granted to his English cities, but 
those also which had been granted to his American colonies, 
summoned the governor of Connecticut to appear and show 
cause why her charter should not be declared void ; and Sir 
Edmund Andros, who had been appointed governor of New 
England, advised the colonj'^, as the course best calculated to 
insure the good-will of his majesty, to resign it voluntarily 
into his hands, he having been instructed to receive it. But 
the people estimated too highly the privileges it conferred to 
surrender it until necessity compelled them. 

Sir Edmund, therefore, repaired, with a body of troops, to 
Hartford, where the assembly were in session, and demanded 
of them the charter. They hesitated and debated until even- 



THE UNITED STATES. 85 

ing. It was then produced, and laid upon the table, a large 
number of people being present. Suddenl}^ the candles were 
extinguished. With counterfeited haste they were again re- 
lighted ; but the charter could no where be found. In the dark, 
it had been privately carried off by a Captain Wadsworth, and 
concealed in a hollow tree. Sir Edmund, however, assumed the 
government of the colony, and ruled with the same absolute 
sway, though not with the same oppressive tyranny, as in 
Massachusetts. 

When James was driven from his throne and kingdom, and 
his governor deposed, Connecticut resumed her former govern- 
ment. The assembly voted a flattering address to King Wil- 
liam. The suit, instituted for the purpose of annulling her 
charter, was abandoned ; and her inhabitants, while enjoying 
greater privileges than any of their brethren, had reason to 
congratulate themselves upon their address and good fortune 
in preserving them. 

But, not long afterwards, they were again called upon to 
defend these privileges from encroachment. In'1692, Colonel 
Fletcher was appointed governor of New York, and was au- 
thorized, by his commission, to take command of the militia 
of Connecticut. This power having been given » by the charter, 
to the governor of the colony, he determined not to relinquish 
it, and in this determination was supported by the people. 

The next year, when the general court were in session, 
Colonel Fletcher repaired to Hartford, and required that the 
militia of the colony should be placed under his command. 
This was resolutely refused. He then ordered the train-bands 
of the city to be assembled. This being done, he appeared be- 
fore them, and directed his aid to read to them his commission 
and instructions from the king. 

Captain Wadsworth, the senior officer of the militia, pre- 
sent, instantly ordered the drums to beat ; and such was the 
noise, that nothing else could be heard. Colonel Fletcher 
commanded silence ; and again his aid began to read. ^' Drum, 
drum, I say !" exclaimed Wadsworth ; and a command so ac- 
ceptable to the players was obeyed with spirit. Once more 
the colonel commanded silence, and a i)ause ensued. " Drum, 
dram, I say !" cried the captain, and, turning to Governor 
Fletcher, addressed him, Avith energy in his voice, and mean- 
ing in his looks — " If I am interrupted again, I will make the 
sun shine through you in a moment !" 

Deeming it unwise to contend with such a spirit. Colonel 
Fletcher desisted, left Hartford the next night, and returned 
to New York. A representation of the opposing claims being 
made to the king, he decided that the governor of Connecticut 
should have the command of the militia ; but in time of war, 
a certain number should be placed under the orders of Fletcher. 



86 HISTORY OF 

In ] 700, Yale College was founded, It owes its existence 
to the beneficence and public spirit of the clergy. It was first 
established at Saybrook; and, in 1702, the first degrees were 
there conferred. Elihu Yale made several donations to the 
institution, and from him it derives the name it bears. A suc- 
cession of able instructors has raised it to a high rank among 
the literary institutions of the country. 

In 1708, an act was passed b}^ the legislature, requiring the 
ministers and delegates of churches to meet and form an ec- 
clesiastical constitution for the colony. A meeting was in 
consequence held at Saybrook, the result of which was the 
celebrated Saybrook Platform. At the subsequent session of 
the legislature, it was enacted that all the churches, united 
according to this Platform, should be owned as established by 
law, allowing, hoAvever, to other churches the right of exer- 
cising worship and discipline in their own way, according to 
their consciences. 

In the several abortive attempts to reduce the French set- 
tlements in Canada, and in the expedition against Louisburg, 
Connecticut furnished her full quota of troops, and bore her 
proportion of the ex])enses. (.)f these a history is elsewhere 
given. After the death of Philip, most of the Indians aban- 
doned her territory, and seldom returned to molest the inha- 
bitants ; Avho, living in the enjoyment of all the privileges 
they desired, felt no inducement, and were afforded no oppor- 
tunity, to perform such actions as enliven the pages of history. 



CHAPTER VII. 
NEW YOKK. 

The object of Columbus, iu his first voyage, was to arrive at 
the East Indies by sailing directly west By the discoveries 
then and afterwards made, it was ascertained that a continent 
or large island lay in that route ; and, as its extent was not 
known, subsecpient navigators imagined that those rich coun- 
tries might be reached by sailing around its northern extre- 
mity. Among those who then endeavoured to discover this 
North- West Passage, in search of which heroism and fortitude 
have been di-^played iu recent times, was Henry Hudson, an 
Englishman. For this purpose, in the beginning of the seven- 
teenth century, he made, in the employment of English mer- 
chants, two vo5^ages into the seas around Spitzbergen and 
Greenland. His employers were discouraged by his ill success ; 
Ibut he, still animated by hope, soon after proposed to the 



THE UNITED STATES, 87 

Dutch East India Company to sail, in search of the passage, in 
their service. 

They provided a small vessel, with which, in the spring of 
1609, he departed on his third voyage. Passing beyond Green- 
land, he came to the American continent, and then, turning 
south, sailed along the coast as far as Chesapeake Bay, in the 
hope, of which we now see the folly, of finding some strait 
leading to the ocean which washes the shores of Hindostan. 
He then turned back, entered, first, Delaware Bay, and, in 
September, the harbour of New York. He sailed up the river 
which bears his name, until he had passed the highlands, and 
sent a boat to explore it farther, which ascended above Albany. 
He traded and fought with the natives who dwelt on its banks, 
returned to the ocean, and, near the close of the year, arrived 
at Dartmouth, in England. ^ 

He sent to his employers a flattering account of the coun- 
tries which he had visited, and in subsequent years ships were 
despatched by merchants of Amsterdam to trafiic with the 
natives on the banks of the Hudson. Upon the Island of New 
York, then called Manhattan, a fort was erected in 1614, and 
the next year another, called Fort Orange, on an island just 
below Albany. 'I'rade with the natives, not planting a colony, 
was the sole object of these voyages. 

It has already been related, that Argal, coming from Vir- 
ginia to Manhattan in 1013, obliged the Dutch traders to sub- 
mit to the English. They yielded only to superior force, and, 
as soon as he had left them, ceased to think of English su- 
premacy. In 1614, the government of the Netherlands granted 
to a company the exclusive right, for a short period, of trading 
with new-discovered lands. In lOlH, a charter was granted 
to another company, but under it no measures were under- 
taken. In 10.51, the Dutch West India Company was incor- 
porated, to Avhich was granted the exclusive right of trading 
to the American coast. This company directed their attention 
principally to that part of the country, visited by Hudson, be- 
tween Delaware Bay and Connecticut River, which became 
known by the name of New Netherlands. Delaware River 
was called South River; the Hudson, sometimes, the North 
River ; and the Connecticut, Fresh River. In 1024, they built 
a fort on the Delaware, a few miles below Camden, and called 
it Fori Nassau. Peter Minuits was sent over by the com]iany, 
as their commercial agent, and for six years performed the 
duties of governor. The traders dwelt in huts on the Island 
of Manhattan. Fort Orange was an outpost for the conveni- 
ence of trading with the Indians, who roamed the forests be- 
tween that place and the great river of Canada, It is not 
Jcnown that any family came to the country before 16'^5,when 
,ft child of European parentage was born on Long Island, 



8 HISTORY OF 

In 1629, the company began to think of planting a colony 
in the New Netherlands. An ordinance was adopted that any 
one who, within four years, should transport fifty souls, and 
purchase the Indian title, should become lord of the manor, or 
patron, and have the absolute property of the land he should 
colonize. The tract might extend, if lying on one side of the 
river only, sixteen miles ; if on both sides, eight miles thereon, 
and indefinitely into the country. Several tracts were taken 
up, or patenteed ; and it was about this time that five Indian 
chiefs, for parcels of goods, sold to an agent of ^^an Rensselaer 
a tract extending from the mouth of the Mohawk to twelve 
miles south of Albany. Peter Minuits was displaced, and 
"Walter Van Twiller appointed in his stead. 

In 1633, Van Twiller built a fort at Hartford, which he 
called the Hirse of Good Hope ; and the Dutch, for many years, 
maintained a trSding establishment at that place. In 1638, 
William Kieft was appointed governor. He had petty, but 
troublesome, contests with the English on Connecticut River, 
and with the Swedes who had begun a settlement on the 
Delaware. With the Indians he had severer conflicts. A 
Dutchman was killed by an Indian who had been robbed. 
The chiefs could not give up the murderer, but offered two 
hundred fathoms of wampum to purchase peace. Kieft pre- 
ferred vengeance, and, seeking a favourable opportunity, des- 
patched to one of their OAvn towns a party of soldiers, who 
fell upon the unsuspecting Indians, and barbarously massa- 
cred nearly a hundred. A fierce and furious war followed. 
Dutch Villages were laid waste ; and many men, women, and 
children were killed, and man}'^ made captive. 

The colony was threatened with ruin, and sought for peace. 
At a conference held on Long Island l)etween Dutch agents 
and Indian chiefs, one of the latter addressed the former — 
*^ When you first arrived on our shores, you Avere destitute of 
food ; we gave you our beans and our corn ; we fed you with 
oysters and fish ; and now, for our recompense, you murder 
our people. The traders whom your first ships left on our 
shores to traffic till their return, were cherished by us ; we 
gave them our daughters for their wives ; among those whom 
you have murdered were children of your own blood." By 
the mediation of Roger Williams, then fortuitously at Man- 
hattan, a piece was concluded. 

But the thirst of vengeance was not appeased, and the war 
was renewed. Kieft appointed Captain Underbill, who had 
been a soldier in Europe, and had made himself conspicuous 
in New Hampshire for his eccentricities in religion and con- 
duct, to the command of his troops. Collecting a flying party 
of one hundred and fifty men, he was enabled to preserve the 
settlements from total destruction. The number of Indians 



THE UNITED STATES. 89 

whom he killed in the course of the war was supposed to ex- 
ceed four hundred. A severe battle was fought on that part 
of Horseneck called Strickland's Plain. The Dutch were vic- 
torious : on both sides great numbers were slain ; and for a 
century afterwards the graves of the dead were distinctl}"" 
visible. 

Peace was again concluded, to the great joy of the colony ; 
but Kieft was execrated as the guilty cause of their sufferings. 
In 1648, he set sail for Holland, but suffered shipwreck on the 
coast of Wales, and perished. He was succeeded by Peter 
Stuyvesant, the most able and intelligent of all the Dutch 
governors. Hitherto the company had retained a monopoly 
of the trade of the colony : now it was made free to all ; ex- 
port duties were substituted ; and the change had a favourable 
influence upon the prosperity of the colony. 

But the Puritans pressed upon their eastern boundary, and 
they trembled for their establishment at Hartford. In 1650, 
Stuyvesant met the commissioners of the New England colo- 
nies at that place, where, after much altercation, a line of par- 
tition between their respective territories was agreed upon. 
Long Island was divided between them ; the Dutch retained 
the lands which they actually occupied in Connecticut, and 
surrendered all claim to the residue. 

The Swedes, on their south-western boundary, were not so 
powerful, as the Puritans. The Dutch had built a fort at New 
Castle, which Risingh,*the governor of the Swedes, having for 
the momentthesuperiorityof numbers, attacked and captured. 
Stuyvesant collected a force of six hundred men, subjugated 
the Swedes, and established over the country the jurisdiction 
of the Dutch. 

The mercantile corporation which governed the New Nether- 
lands took little thought of the religious belief of its inhabit- 
ants. All sects Avere tolerated ; and immigrants came from 
all fjuarters. Many came from New England, and brought 
with them the activity of mind and love of freedom which 
distinguished that region. The leaven was sufficient to pro- 
duce fermentation. A meeting of the people was held, at 
which a memorial, drawn up by George Baxter, a Puritan, was 
unanimously adopted, demanding " that no new laws should 
be enacted but with consent of the people, and that none 
should be appointed to office but with the approbation of the 
people." Stuyvesant pronounced these " the visionary notions 
of a New England man." '^ We derive our authority," said 
he, " from God and the West India Company, not from the 
pleasure of a few ignorant subjects ;" and he commanded the 
assembly to disperse on pain of arbitrary punishment. 

But the time was near when a change of masters would 
bring in its train the enjoyment of English liberties. England 



90 HISTORY OP 

had always claimed the whole country since its discovery by 
the Cabots, and Charles II. now determined to assert his right 
to it. In 1 664, he granted to his brother James, Duke of York 
and Albany, several tracts of land in America, and among them 
Long Island, and all the territory between Connecticut River 
and Delaware Bay ; and, though England and Holland were 
then at peace, immediately sent three ships and six hundred 
troops to put him in possession of his grant. Colonel Robert 
Nichols conducted the expedition. The squadron, having 
visited Boston, reached the place of its destination in August, 
and Nichols immediately sent to the governor a summons to 
surrender. StuyA-esant refused ; and thereupon Nichols, aware 
of the discontents which existed among the people, published 
a proclamation, promising that, should the place be peaceably 
surrendered, they should enjoy their property, and all the 
rights of English subjects. The burgomasters and people as- 
sembled in the town hall, and there agreed upon terms of 
capitulation, which were afterwards ratified by Nichols and 
Stuyvesant. Soon afterwards, detachments from the fleet took 
possession of Fort Orange and the forts on the Delaware. In 
compliment to the duke, the name INIanhattan was changed to 
New York, and Orange to Albany. 

Nichols assumed the government of the country, and con- 
tinued, for three years, to rule over it with absolute power, 
but with great lenity and justice. To secure the Indians from 
fraud, he ordained that no purchase of land from them should 
be valid, if made without the governor's license. He incor- 
porated the inhabitants of New York, ordaining that the offi- 
cers should be a mayor, five aldermen, and a sheriff"; before, 
they were a scout, burgomasters, and schepens. In 1667, he 
was succeeded by Colonel Francis Lovelace. He is represented 
as a moderate and just man ; but many of the people com- 
plained that the privileges of Englishmen were withheld, and 
refused to pay the taxes Avhich he imposed. That the discon- 
tent was general, is i)robable, from the known arbitrary prin- 
ciples of the Duke of York, and the love of freedom of the 
population. 

In 1673, England and Holland being then at war, several 
Dutch ships were despatched to re-conquer the country. On 
their arrival at Staten Island, a few miles below the city, John 
Manning, who had command of the fort, sent down a messen- 
ger, and treacherously made terms with the enemy. The 
Dutch sailed up the harbour, landed their men, and took pos- 
session of the fort and city M'ithout firing or receiving a shot. 
The forts on the Delaware submitted also without resistance. 

Captain Anthony Colve was appointed governor ; but he 
remained in authority for a few months only. The next year, 
peace was concluded, and the country restored to the English. 



THE UNITED STATES. 91 

The Duke of York, apprehensive that the conquest by the 
Dutch deprived him of all his rights, and that they were not 
restored to him by the treaty, obtained a new patent, confirm- 
ing his title to the province, and appointed Major Andros, the 
same who was afterwards the tyrant of New England, to be 
governor over his territories in America. 

Andros was inducted into office on the 31st of October, 
1674. From his official acts, he seems to have been invested 
with supreme power. The next year, he appointed a mayor, 
aldermen, and sheriff, for the city of New York, and ordered 
that four aldermen should constitute a sort of sessions ; he 
imposed taxes at pleasure ; and, moreover, on the recommen- 
dation of the duke, appointed one Nicholas Rensselaer, a Dutch 
clergyman, and claiming the manor of Rensselaerwick, to be 
minister of a church at Albany. As the duke was a Catholic, 
and as the Catholics, from their numerous bloody persecutions 
and universal intolerance, were regarded by the people, who 
were nearly all Protestants, with di?like and dread, the con- 
gregation were not disposed to receive for their minister a 
man recommended by him and appointed by his governor. A 
quarrel ensued ; the magistrates of Albany, among whom was 
one Jacob Leisler, imprisoned Rensselaer upon a charge of ut- 
tering certain ^^ dubious words" in a sermon. Andros released 
him, and caused warrants to be issued to compel the magis- 
trates to give security, in the sum of five thousand pounds, to 
appear and justify themselves for confining Rensselaer. Leisler 
refused to give the security, and was imprisoned. Andros, 
fearing to increase the excitement, desisted from his preten- 
sions. The obnoxious minister returned home, and the ma- 
nor was afterwards confirmed to his relative, Killian van 
Eennsselaer. 

As the privileges of Englishmen, promised at the time of 
the surrender to Nichols, had never yet been enjoyed, the peo- 
ple evinced their discontent. Long Island was settled prin- 
cipally from New England. Before the grant to the duke, the 
eastern part of it belonged to Connecticut, and then of course 
exercised the privilege of choosing representatives. Several 
towns on the island held public meetings, and expressed their 
desire to enjoy their promised privileges ; and some of the 
merchants of New York denied the legality of duties imposed 
arbitrarily. Dyer, the collector, was indicted as a traitor, for 
encroaching upon the liberties of the English subjects, and was 
sent to England for trial. Disturbed by the opposition of the 
people, Andros made a voyage to London for instructions. 
The duke conceded nothing, but that the present duties should 
expire at the end of -three years. After the governor's return, 
the duties were increased ; and, regardless of former experi- 
ence, he interfered in religious matters, by attempting to ex- 



92 HISTORY OF 

erciae control over the Reformed Dutch Church, which in- 
creased the disgust and jealousy of the people. 

In 16S.'^, Andros Avas recalled, and Colonel Thomas Dongan 
appointed governor in his stead. He v/as a Catholic, but, being 
a wis'j and just man, had proper conceptions of his duties as 
governor, and disdained to submit to be, in all things, the in- 
strument of the duke. It is said that "NVilliam Penn advised 
the duke to allow the people to choose representatives. He, 
in fact, gave such instructions to Dongan. He sent over by 
him a " Charter of Liberties," which declared, that '^ supreme 
legislative power shall forever reside in the governor, council, 
and people, met in general assembly. Every freeholder and 
freeman shall vote for representatives without restraint. No 
freeman shall suffer but by judgment of his peers ; and all 
trials shall be by a jury of twelve men. No tax shall be as- 
sessed, on any pretence whatever, but by the consent of the 
assembly. No martial law shall exist. No person, professing 
ftiith in God by Jesus Christ, shall, at any time, be any ways 
disquieted or questioned for any differences of opinion. The 
lirst assembly, consisting of seventeen members met in the 
■ following August, and enacted many important laws. The 
people were pacilied, and enjoyed the prospect of a happy fu- 
turity. But for several subsequent years, no assembly it is 
believed was held in the colony. 

During the w^hole of Colonel Dongan's administration, most 
of his time was occupied in the management of Indian atfairs, 
in which he was sagacious, and generally successful. The in- 
terior of the colony was originally inhabited by a confederacy 
which consisted at first of five, and afterwards of six, nations 
of Indians, the Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneidas, Mo- 
hawks, and Tuscaroras. This confederacy, tradition declares, 
was formed for mutual defence against the western Indians, 
and displayed much of the wisdom and sagacity which mark 
the institutions of a civilized people. By their union they had 
become formidable to the surrounding tribes. Their territory 
was prolific of game ; they Avere brave in battle, and, beyond 
all other Indians, were eloquent in council. By some authors 
they are styled Iroquois, by others, IMingoes. 

\Vhen Champlain was at Quebec, he, witli a body of French- 
men, accompanied a party of Canada Indians in an expedition 
against the confederates. The latter were defeated, and this 
defeat implanted in their bosoms an inveterate hostility against 
the French. The Dutch and English the more easily acquired 
and preserved their friendship ; they enjoyed the profit of their 
trade, and were aided by them in all their wars. The go- 
vernors of Canada often sent Jesuits and emissaries to convert 
them and gain their good will ; but, not succeeding, they de- 
tennined at length to treat them as enemies. 



THE UNITED STATES. 93 

In 16S4, De la Baire, the governor of Canada, marched to 
attack them, with an army of seventeen hundred m^n. His 
troops sullered so much from hardships, famine, and sickness, 
that he was compelled to ask peace of those whom ho had 
come to exterminate. He invited the chiefs of the Five Na- 
tions to meet him at his camp, and those of three of them ac- 
cepted the invitation. Standing: in a circle, formed by the 
chiefs and his own officers, he addressed a speech to Garran- 
gula, of (he Onondag tribe, in which he accused the confeder- 
ates of conducting the English to the trading grounds of the 
French, and threatened them with war and extermination if 
they did not alter their behaviour. 

Garraugula, knowing the distresses of the French troops, 
heard these threats with contempt. After walking five or six 
times round the circle, he addressed the following bold and^ 
sarcastic lauguage to De la Barre, calling him Yonncndio, and' 
the English governor, Corlear. 

" Yonnondio, I honour you, and warriors that are with me 
likewise honour you. Your interpreter has finished your 
speech ; I now begin mine. My words make haste to reach 
your ears ; hearken to them. Yonnondio, you must have be- 
lieved, when you left Quebec, that the sun had consumed all 
the forests which render our country inaccessible to the 
French ; or that the great lakes had overflown their banks, 
and surrounded our castles, so that it was impossible for us 
to get out of them. Yes, Yonnondio, you must have dreamed 
so, and the curiosity of so great a wonder has brought you so 
far. Now, you are undeceived ; for I, and the warriors here 
present, are come to assure you, that the Senecas, Cayugas, 
Onondagas, Oneidas, and Moliawks, are yet alive. 

" I thank you, in their name, for bringing back into their 
country the pipe of peace, which your predecessor received 
from their hands. It was happy for you that you left under- 
ground that murdering hatchet which has been so often dyed 
in the blood of the French. Hear, Yonnondio : I do not sleep ; 
I have my eyes open ; and the sun, which enlightens me, dis- 
covers to me a great captain, at the head of a company of 
soldiers, who speaks as if he was dreaming. He says that he 
only came to smoke the great pipe of peace with the Ononda- 
gas. But Garrangula says that he sees the contrary ; that it 
was to knock them on the head, if sickness had not weakened 
the arms of the French. 

" We carried the English to our lakes, to trade there with 
the Utawavv^as, and Qaatoghies, as the Adirondacs brought 
the French to our castles to carry on a trade which the English 
say is theii's. Y\''e are born free ; we neither depend on Yon- 
nondio nor Corlear. We may go where we please, aud buy 
and sell what we please. If your allies are your slaves, use 



94 HISTORY OP 

them as such ; command them to receive no other but your 
people. • 

" Hear, Yonnondio ; what I say is the voice of all the Five 
Nations. AVhen they buried the hatchet at Cadaracqui, in 
the middle of the fort, they planted the tree of peace in the 
same place, to bo there carefull}' preserved, that, instead of 
a retreat for soldiers, the fort might be a rendezvous for mer- 
chants. Take care that the many soldiers who appear there 
do not choke the tree of peace, and prevent it from covering 
your country and ours Avith its branches. I assure you that 
our warriors shall dance under its leaves, and will never 
dig up the hatchet to cut it down, till their brother Yonnondio 
or Corlea shall invade the country which the Great Spirit liaa 
given to our ancestors."' 

De la Barre was mortified and enraged at this bold and sar- 
castic reply, but, submitting to necessity, concluded a treaty 
of peace, and returned to INlontreal. Soon after, De Nonville 
was appointed his successor. He brought over a reinforce- 
ment of troops ; strengthened Fort t'adaracqui, afterwards 
called Fort Frontinac, and situated at the outlet of Lake On- 
tario, on the north shore ; and called to his aid the Indians 
around the Lakes JNIichigan and Huron, with the purpose of 
destroying, at first the Senecas, and then the rest of the con" 
federated tribes. In the mean time, he sent emissaries among 
them to allay their jealousy. But Colonel Dongan suspected 
his object ; and though instructed by the duke — who was 
blindly attached to the French king — to co-operate with De 
Nonville, he, mindful of his duty to the province, admonished 
the Indians to be on their guard. In June, 1087, an army of 
French and Indians, nearly 30()0 strong, proceeded from Mon- 
treal to attack the Senecas. They landed at Tirondiquai, 
marched to the villages of the Senecas, which they found de- 
serted, and hastened forward in pursuit of the fugitives. But 
suddenly, from the trees, and bushes, and high grass around, a 
deadly fire was poured upon them iVom an invisible enemy. 
The terrible war-whoop, arising on all sides, increased the 
confusion. The French troops, scattering, sought safety in 
the woods; their Indian allies, less frightened, fought the Se- 
necas in their own way, and at length compelled them to re- 
tire. De Nonville collected his troops, but, disheartened by 
the reception he had met with, proceeded no farther that day. 
On the next, he continued his march, but found no enemy to 
contend with. After destroying all the corn in that region, 
he led his troops to Niagara, and employed them in erecting a 
fort near the falls. In this fort, he left one hundred men, and 
returned to iMontreal. It was afterwards besieged by the 
Iroquois, and all of the men but eight perished with hunger. 

The Five Nations, enraged by treachery and stimulated by 



THE UNITED STATES. 95 

success, aBsembled iu gn;at numbers, and made incursion« 
into Canada. They comjjolled the French to abandon Fort 
Cadarac(iui, and twice attacked Montreal, maHHacreing more 
tlian a thousand of tlu; inhabitants, and taking,' many prisoners, 
all of whom were tortured and burnt. 'J'liese wars kej)t Co- 
lonel Dongan continually employed, and served to perpetuate 
the enmity of the Iro([uois against the French, and their at- 
tachment to the English. 

In the mean time, the duke of York had ascended the throne 
of England. (Jlaiming unlimited authority as king, and pro- 
fessing the (Jatholic religion, he was hated and feared by a 
great portion of the inhabitants, who were devoted to the 
cause of freedom and to the principles of the Protestants. 
The governor was also the object of their dislike and distrust. 
Catholics, countenanced by him, n>paired in great numbers to 
the colony, and pious Protestants trembled for their religion. 
He was recalled in the beginning of lOHH; but the appoint- 
ment of Sir Edmund Andros to be governor over New York 
as well as New England, did not tend to lessen their discon- 
tent nor their fears. 

In the spring of HiHi), information was received from Eng- 
land, that the people had resolved to dethrone their sovereign, 
and offer the crown to William, princeof Orange, the husband 
of Mary, daughter of King James ; and from Massachusetts, 
that the citizens had deposed and imprisoned Sir Edmund An- 
dros, their governor. A rumour ran through the city that, on 
the next Sunday, the Catholics would attack the people while 
at church, massacre them, and declare for King James ; and 
messengers came from Long Island, increasing the alarm by 
expressing doulits and lears. Many of that class, who, as 
their enemies afterwards said, *' were not worth a groat," as- 
sembled in a tumultuary manner, repaired to the house of 
Jacob Leisler, a captain of one of the militia companies, and a 
wealthy German merchant, and recpiested him to lead them 
to attack the fort. lie at first declined ; but a party led by 
Ensign Stoll, having taken possession, he, on the 2d of June, 
entered it as Stoll's superior ollicer, and was joyfully received 
by those who were i)resent. 

As yet, Leisler's jjarty was not strong. No man of wealth 
or consideration had joined it. A report was circulated that 
three ships, with orders from the prince, were sailing up the 
harbour. All the militia companies immediately joined him ; 
a large number of tlie citizens assembled, and, following the 
example of the Postonians, chose a " (Committee of Safety." 
Colonel Nicholson, who had bren appointed lieutenant-gover- 
nor by Andros, made some attempts to preserve his authority, 
but soon, absconding in the night, set sail for England. It 
was agreed that the cax)tains of the several militia companies 



96 HISTORY Oi' 

should, in daily rotation, have command of the fort; butLeis- 
ler, from his age or standing in societ}'', was regarded as the 
leader. Two delegates from Connecticut brought a copy of 
the proclamation, which had been issued in England, declaring 
William and Mary sovereigns of Great Britain, and delivered 
it to Leisler, who immediately, with all proper ceremony, pro- 
claimed King William and Queen Mary, at first at the fort, 
and afterwards at the city hall, in the presence of the rejoicing 
people. 

The men in authority, and " the men of figure," though 
friendly to the new sovereigns, were dissatisfied that all power 
should be usurped by the militia and their captains ; and, un- 
fortunately, the latter made no efforts to induce the former to 
unite with them. The mayor endeavoured to exercise autho- 
rity, but in vain ; Nicholas Bayard, who was colonel of the 
militia, repaired to the Bowling Green, where they were then 
paraded, and ordered them, after placing a guard at the fort, 
to disperse ; but his commands were disregarded, and he was 
ordered to depart. Leisler wrote to the government in Eng- 
land, giving an account of his conduct, and also a private let- 
ter to the king, detailing, in broken English, many unimpor- 
tant particulars. In August, Milbourne, his son-in-law, ar- 
rived from England, and afterwards acted as his secretary. 
He was more capable of managing afi'airs than his father-in- 
law, and was considered the efficient leader. 

Heretofore the mayor, sheriff', and clerk, had been appointed 
by the governor, and the aldermen and assistants elected by 
the people. At the election in September, the people chose 
new aldermen and assistants, and also, by order of the com- 
mittee of safety, a mayor, sheriff, and clerk ; and, in October, 
Leisler, by proclamation, announced that, being authorized, 
by the committee, to confirm such officers as should be chosen 
by the Protestant freemen of the city, he accordingly con- 
firmed by name the persons who had been elected. Van Cort- 
landt, the former mayor, and Colonel Bayard fled to Albany. 
Instructions from England had not yet been received; and 
they were waited for, by all classes, with great anxiety. 

At Albany, the city government continued to exercise their 
former powers, but indecisively, as subordinates act when de- 
prived of their leader. They gladly recognized William and 
Mary ; but from them they had received no authorit}'. They 
were were kept in a state of alarm by intelligence tliat the 
savages were preparing to attack them ; and they sent mes- 
sengers to Leisler and the New England colonies for aid. 
Leisler, declaring that he had nothing to do with the civil 
power, forwarded some powder to the militia captains. 

A suspicion was entertained at Albany that Leisler intended 
to send up troops, take possession of the fort, and govern in 



■tHE UNITED STATES. 9*/ 

that city as well as in New York. A convention of the peo- 
ple was held, at which they voted to maintain the existing 
city government until orders came from their majesties, and 
appointed Colonel Schuyler, the mayor, commander of the 
fort. Soon after, INIilbourne arrived from New York with fifty 
men, and asked to l)e admitted into the fort. He was referred 
to a convention of the people, then sitting, who received him 
cordially ; and he addressed them at length, declaring that 
their charter was null, being granted by a Papist king ; that 
their present officers had no authority ; and that new officers 
ought to be elected by the people. He exhibited his commis- 
sion, but was told that, being signed by private individuals, 
it would not be regarded. He gained many friends among the 
people, to whom he oftpn appealed ; and, when he returned to 
New York, left his company under the command of an officer 
elected by themselves. 

In the beginning of December, a letter arrived from the mi- 
nistry in England, directed " to Francis Nicholson, or such as, 
for the time being, takes care for preserving the peace, and ad- 
ministring the laws, in his majesty's province of New York," 
and containing the wished-for instructions. The bearer had 
been long on the way, and, when he arrived, hesitated to 
whom he ought to deliver the letter. It happened that Colo- 
nel Bayard, who had returned privately to the city, heard that 
such a letter had arrived. He procured an interview with 
the bearer, and endeavoured to get posession of it, promising 
to ^deliver it to Van Cortlandt, who, he alleged, was the only 
legal mayor ; but the bearer, on consideration, declined, and 
delivered it to Leisler. It was immediately laid before the 
committee of safety, who advised Leisler to assume the title 
of lieutenant-governor, which he accordingly did, appointed 
his council, and proceeded to exercise all the powers of chief 
magistrate. The attempt of Bayard to gain possession of the 
letter, betrayed his presence in the city. He was arrested, 
committed to priscm, and put in irons. 

Soon after, Leisler wrote to the civil and military officers at 
Albany, that he had received orders from King William to take 
care of the province, and had commissioned Joachim Staats. 
whom INIilbourne had left in command of ;his company, to 
take possession of " Fort Orange," and keep the soldiers in 
good order and discipline ; but the Albany convention, doubt- 
ing whether the king had sent any orders to Jacob Leisler re- 
fused to acknowledge his authority. 

The dethronement of King James brought on a war between 
England and France ; and the usual cousLnpience followed — a 
war between the Canadian Indians and the English colonies. 
De Nonville had been recalled, and Count Frontiuac appointed 

£ 



I 



98 HISTORY OF 



governor of Canada. He was the ablest and most active of all 
Canadian governors. In January, 1690, he despatched several 
parties against the English settlements. One of these, con- 
sisting of Frenchmen and Caghnuaga Indians, was sent against 
Albany, but resolved to attack Schenectady. To the inhabit- 
ants of this village information was given of their danger ; but 
they, judging it impossible for the enemy to march several 
hundred miles in the depth of winter, disregarded the intelli- 
jgence. No regular watch was kept, nor military order ob- 
served. 

The French and Indians arrived near the town on the 8th of 
February. They divided their number into small parties, that 
every house might be invested at the same time. On Saturday 
night, at eleven o'clock, they entered at the gates, which they 
found unshut. The inhabitants having retired to rest, univer- 
sal stillness reigaed. Suddenly in every quarter the horrid 
yell was heard. They sprang from their beds, conscious of the 
danger which surromided them. Opening their doors they met 
the savages, with uplifted tomahawks, on the threshold. 
Each at the same instant, heard the cry of his affrighted neigh- 
bour. Soon succeeded the groans of the dying. In a few 
minutes, the buildings were on fire. Women were butchered, 
and children thrown alive into the flames. The Indians, fran- 
tic from slaughter, ran, with fatal haste, through the village, 
massacreing many, who, in their attempts to escape, were be- 
trayed by the light of their own houses. 

Some eluded their pursuers ; but a fate almost as dreadful 
awaited them. They were naked ; a furious storm came on ; 
Albany, their only refuge, was at a distance ; and often their 
terror converted into savages the trees and wild beasts which 
they saw j^ their flight. Part arrived in safety ; twenty-five 
lost their hmbs by the severity of the cold. At Schenectady, 
sixty were killed, and twenty-five made prisoners. 

Had not distractions prevailed in the colony, this distress- 
ing calamity would doubtless have been prevented. It was 
unfortunate that he, who wielded the chief power of the 
province, had not a clearer title to exercise that power; and 
it was equally unfortunate that those opposed to him did not 
cast aside all selfish considerations, and yield him their cor- 
dial support. Among his most active opposers at Albany was 
Bobert Livingston. Leisler having issued a warrant to appre- 
hend him, he fled to Connecticut ; and, when Milbourne re- 
turned to Albany in the spring, he found there no opposition. 
The property of the prominent individuals belonging to the op- 
position was confiscated — a measure which was never for- 
given by the sufferers nor their posterity. 

Leisler, having silenced or driven away his adversaries, now 
exerted all his faculties to fulfil the duties he had assumed. 



THE UNITED STATES. 99 

He sent agents to Connecticut and Massachusets, to persuade 
I them to unite with New York in an expedition against Ca- 
! nada. It was at length agreed that Massachusetts should dis- 
I patch a fleet against Quebec, and the two other colonies an army 
I against Montreal. The army, under General Winthrop, of Con- 
! neoticut, proceeded as far as Wood Creek, which empties into 
Lake Champlain ; hut finding no boats in readiness, and the 
: Indians expected not appearing, they were obliged to return. 
I The fleet, under Sir AVilliam Phipps, appeared before Que- 
bec ; but the return of the army to New York allowing the 
whole force of the province to repair to the assistance of the 
garrison, he was obliged to abandon the enterprise. 

The enemies of Leisler attributed the failure of this expe- 
dition to his imbecility. He attributed it to the intrigues and 
misconduct of his adversaries, particularly of Livingston, and 
AUyn, the secretary of Connecticut. Upon the return of the 
army to Albany, he, in a fit of passion, caused Winthrop to be 
arrested and imprisoned, although he had acted according to 
the advice of a council of his officers. He was forcibly re- 
leased by a party of Mohawks, and permitted to return to 
Connecticut. 

Leisler, with reputation diminished and temper soured by 
ill success, continued to exercise all the powers of lieutenant- 
governor. King William, harassed by important cares at 
i home, found little time to attend to his distant province of 
New York. At length, in January, 1691, a Captain Ingoldsby 
arrived, with a company of troops, and stated verbally to 
Leisler, that Henry Sloughter had been appointed governor, and 
was on his way to New York. His enenies, now more bold, 
if not more numerous, than before, flocked arOund In- 
goldsby, flattered him by their attentions, and influenced his 
conduct. He demanded the surrender of the fort. Leisler 
desired to see some commission or order from the ministry or 
the gover^ior, but Ingoldsby could show none ; and not being 
permitted to enter, the fort, he landed his men and besieged it. 
While thus in durance, Leisler, in several proclamations, 
avowed his readiness to surrender all authority, whenever he 
could do so with propriety and safety. 

Sloughter arrived on the 18th of March, 1691. The state of 
the province required an able and honest governor: this was 
destitute of talents, dissolute, avaricious, and poor. He was 
immediately surrounded by the enemies of Leisler, appointed 
his council from among them, and sent Ingoldsby to demand 
possession of the fort. Of the conduct of Leisler, on this day 
and the next, no account, deserving of implicit belief, has 
been given. His enemies declared that he peremptorily and 
contemptuously refused to surrender the fort. He may have 
required a written order to do so from the governor, and, being" 



100 HISTORt OF 

an uneducated German may have used language to Ingoldsby, , 
the force of which he did not understand. From the records i ^ 
of the council, it appears that he and Milbourne were arrested I 
and committed to prison. 

These men were then in the power of their enraged ene- • 
mies. They were accused of murder and rebellion; a special l| 
court was organized to try them ; they were convicted, and I 
received sentence of death. But Sloughter hesitated to sign i 
the warrant for their execution. He knew that they had many 
warm friends among the people ; and that, though they had \ 
sometimes erred, they had served King William and the Pro- ; 
testant cause with undoubted fidelity, and the most ardent ' 
zeal. When about to leave New York for Albany, he asked ad- 
vice on the subject of his council. They, being mostly their bitter 
foes, advised him to sign the warrant. Still he hesitated ; but 
their enemie s thirsting for vengeance, invited him to a feast ; 
and there, when intoxicated, they presented to him the war- 
rant, which he signed ; and when he recovered the prisoners 
had ceased to live. The behaviour of Leisler on the scaffold i 
is represented as calm and dignified. He declared his inno- 
cence of purpose, prayed for his enemies, and recommended his 
family to the charity of the world. And bitterly did he 
lament that he had been persuaded to assume duties which he 
was incompetent to discharge. Subsequently, on application to 
the king, the estates of Leisler and Milbourne, which had been 
confiscated, were restored to their heirs ; their bodies were 
taken up and reinterred, with great pomp, in the old Dutch 
church ; and their descendants were considered honoured ra- 
ther than disgraced by the part they had acted. 

In July, 1691, Sloughter, having returned from Albany,, 
ended, by a sudden death, a short, weak, and turbulent ad- 
ministration. About the same time, INIajor Peter Schuyler, at t 
the head of three hundred Mohawks, made a sudden and bold i 
attack upon the French setttlements at the north end of Lake 
Champlain. An army of about eight hundred men was des- 
patched from Montreal to oppose him. With these he had 
several irregular, but successful conflicts, in which he killed a 
number of the enemy greater than that of his whole party. 

1692, Colonel Fletcher arrived as successor to Sloughter. 
He was a good soldier, was active, avaricious, and passionate. 
From the talents and information of Major Schuyler, he de- 
rived great assistance, and was governed by his advice, par- •( 
ticularly in transactions relative to the Indians. 

As a great portion of the inhabitants were Dutch, all the 
governors, to produce uniformity in religion and language, 
had encouraged English preachers and schoolmasters to settle 
in the colony. No one pursued this object with more zeal 
than Fletcher, who was devoted to the church of England. 



THE tJNITED STATES^ 101 

At two successive sessions, he recomended the subject to the 
attention of the assembly ; but the members being generally 
attached to the Church of Holland, disregarded his recom- 
mendations. For this neglect, he gave them a severe repri- 
mand. 

The subject being laid before them, at a subsequent session, 
they passed a bill providing for the settlement, in certain pa- 
rishes, of ministers of the gospel, to be chosen by the people. 
The council added an amendment, giving to the governor the 
power of approval or rejection. The house refused to concur 
in the amendment, at which Fletcher was so much enraged, 
that he commanded them instantly to attend him, and, ad- 
dressing them in an angry speech, prorogued them to the next 
year. The bill, however, as passed by the assembly, after- 
wards became a law. 

In 1697, a peace, which gave security and repose to the co- 
lonies, was concluded between Great Britain and France. 
The next year, the Earl of Bellamont was appointed governor. 
He was particularly instructed to clear the American seas of 
the pirates who infested them, and who, it was suspected, 
had even received encouragement from Fletcher. 

The government declining to furnish the necessary naval 
force, the earl engaged, with others, in a private undertaking 
against them. The associates, procuring a vessel of war, 
gave the command of it to a Captain Kid, and sent him to 
cruise agamst the pirates. He had been but a short time at 
sea, when, disregarding his instructions, he made a new con- 
tract with his crew, and, on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, 
became himself a daring, atrocious, and successful pirate. 

Three years afterwards, he returned, burned his ship, and, 
with strange infatuation, appeared publicly at Boston. He 
was recognized there by Lord Bellamont, who caused him to 
be apprehended, and sent to England, where he was tried and 
executed. The earl and his partners, many of whom were 
noblemen residing in England, were accused of sharing in his 
plunder ; but in all his examinations he declared them inno- 
cent. Afterwards, silver and gold, valued at about fourteen 
thousand dollars, and a quantity of jewels, were discovered 
on Gardiner's Island, and delivered to Lord Bellamont. 

Notwithstanding the death of Leisler, the people were still 
divided into Leislerians and anti-Leislerians. Fletcher had 
I been the instrument of the latter ; Lord Bellamont espoused 
: the cause of the former. He, however, persecuted no one, 
I but exercised his autliority with justice and moderation. He 
■ died in 1701. 

j The next year, Lord Cornbury was appointed governor. 
I He presented a striking proof of the folly of hereditary dis- 
I tinctions. He was the grandson of the celebrated Earl of 



|0^ HISTORY OF m\ 

Clarendon, but possessed not one of the virtues of his ances-* • 
tor. Me«n, profligate, and unprincipled, he was a burden to 
his friends at home, and was sent to America to be beyond 1 
the reach of his creditors. 

He declared himself an anti-Leislerian ; and the first assem- • 
bly that he summoned was composed principally of men of !' 
that party. They presented him two thousand pounds to de- 
fray the expenses of his voyage. They raised several sums of f 
money for public purjioses ; but, the expenditure being in- 
trusted to him as governor, he appropriated most of it to his 
own use. 

His acts of injustice and oppression, his prodigality, his in- 
decent and vulgar manners, rendered him universally odious. 
In 1708, the assemblies of New York and of New Jersey, of 
which colony he was also governor, complained to the queen 
of his misconduct. Slie removed him from office. He was 
soon after arrested by his creditors, and remained in custody 
until the death of his father, when he returned to England, 
and took his seat in the house of lords. 

A proceeding of the house of representatives, near the close 
of his administration, ought not to be passed over without 
notice Wearied by their sufferings, they appointed a com- 
mittee of grievances, who reported a series of resolutions 
having reference tjo recent transactions, which resolutions 
were adopted by the house. One of them, in explicit lan- 
guage, asserted the principle, " that the imposing and levy- 
ing of any moneys upon her majesty's subjects of this co- 
lony, under any pretence or colour whatsoever, without con- 
sent in general assembly, is a grievance, and a violation of 
the people's property." It is not uninstructive to observe 
how early, in some of the colonies, were sown the seeds of 
the American revolution. 

In 1710, General Hunter, who had been appointed governoi', 
arrived in the province. He brought with him near three 
thousand Germans, some of whom settled in New York, and 
some in Pennsylvania. The latter transmitted to their native 
land such favourable accounts of the country which they had 
chosen for their residence, that many others followed, and 
settled in that colony. The numerous desendants of these 
Germans are honest, industrious, and useful citizens. 

The prodigality of Lord Cornbury had taught the assembly 
an ira})ortant lesson. Before his removal, they had obtained 
from the queen permission, in cases of special appropriations, 
to appoint their own treasurer. They now passed a bill con- 
fiding to this officer the disbursement of certain sums appro- 
priated for ordinary purposes. The council proposed an 
amendment. The house denied the right of that body to 
amend a money bill. Both continuing very obstinate, the gov- 



I THE UNITED STATES. 103 

► emor prorogued them, and at their next session dissolved 
them. 

At this time war existed between England and France. In 
1709, expensive preparations were made for an attack upon 
Canada, but the promised assistance not arriving from Eng- 
land, the enterprise was abandoned. 1711, the project was 
resumed. A fleet sailed up the St. Lawrence, to attack Que- 
bec ; and an army of four thousand men, raised by New York, 
]>few Jersey, and Connecticut, marched to invade Canada, by 
the route of Lake Champlain. The fleet, shattered by a storm, 
was compelled to return. The army, informed of the disas- 
ters of the fleet, returned also, having accomplished nothing. 

The people, approving the conduct of their representatives 
in relation to the revenue, had re-elected nearly all of them, 
and they were now in session. To defray the expenses of the 
late expedition, they passed several bills, which were amended 
in the council. Between these two bodies another contest en- 
sued. The representatives, deriving their authority from the 
people, considered themselves bound to watch over the ex- 
penditure of their money. The council, deriving their au- 
thority from the same source as the governor, were desirous of 
increasing his influence by giving him the management of the 
revenue. During this and a subsequent session, both continued 
inflexible. The governor, provoked at the obstinacy of the 
representatives, dissolved the assembly. 

At the ensuing election, which was warmly contested, most 
of the members chosen were opposed to the governor. This 
assembly was dissolved by the death of the queen. The next 
was dissolved by the governor, soon after it first met, a ma- 
jority of the representatives being known to be unfriendly to 
his views The people became weary of contending. Most 
of the members chosen at the succeeding election were his 
friends and partisans, and, for several years, the utmost har- 
mony existed between the different branches of the govern- 
ment. 

Governor Hunter quitted the province in 1719, and his au- 
thority devolved on Peter Schuyler, the oldest member of the 
council. The next year. William Burnet, son of the cele- 
brated bishop of that name, was appointed governor. Turn- 
ing his attention towards the wilderness, he perceived that 
the French, in order to connect their settlements in Canada 
and Louisiana, to secure to themselves the Indian ti-ade, and 
to confine the English to the sea-coast, were busily employed 
in erecting a chain of forts from the St. Lawrence to the Mis- 
sissippi. 

He endeavoured to defeat their design, by building a trading- 
house, and afterwards a fort, at Oswego, on Lake Ontario. 
But the French had the command of more abundant resources. 



# 



104 HISTORY OF 

and applied them to the accomplishment of their object with 
great activity and zeal. They launched two vessels upon 
that lake, and, going farther into the wilderness, erected a 
fort at Niagara, commanding the entrance into it. They had 
previously erected Fort Froniinac, commanding the outlet. 

The assembly elected in 1 7J(), had been so obsequious to the 
governor, that he continued it in existence until the clamours 
of the people induced him, in 1727, to dissolve it. That which 
next met was com])osed entirely of his opponents. The court 
ol chancery, in which he presided, had become exceedingly un- 
popular. It had been instituted by an ordinance of the go- 
vernor and council, without the concurrence of the assembly ; 
tlie mode of i)roceeding was novel ; and some of the decisions 
had given great offence to powerful individuals. The house 
passed resolutions declaring it " a manifest oppression and 
grievance," and intimating that its decrees were void. The 
governor instantly called the assembly before him, and dis- 
solved it. 

Being soon after appointed governor of Massachusetts, he 
was succeeded by Colonel Montgomery, upon whose death, in 
1731, thesupreme authority devolved upon Rip Van Dam, the 
senior member of the council. Tender his short and inefficient 
administration, the French were permitted to erect a fort at 
Crown Point, within the acknowledged boundaries of New 
York, from which parties of savages were often secretly des- 
])atched to destroy the English settlements. 

Van Dam was superseded by William Cosby, who arrived 
in August, 1732. Having been the advocate in parliament, of 
the American colonies, he was, at first, popular, but soon lost 
the affections and confidence of the people. When he came, 
having then held his commission thirteen months, he brought 
instructions from the ministry that, during that time, the 
salary and })er(piisites of the office should be shared ecjually 
by him and ^'an Dam. He demanded half of the salary which 
the latter had received ; but "S'an Dam, having ascertained 
that the governor had received, in penjuisites, much more than 
the salary, denumded a balance of Cosby. Both persisted in 
their clniini^. The govenior proceeded against his adversary 
in the court of chancery, where two of the judges were his 
partisans, and he himself presided, ^'on Dam employed the 
most able counsel in the colony, who excepted to the juris- 
diction of the court. Chief-Justice Morris gave his opinion in 
favour of the exception ; Delancey and Philipse decided against 
it. Morris was removed, and, Avithout advice of council, De- 
lancey was appointed chief justice, and Philipse second judge, 
to hold their commissions during pleasure, ritimately this 
court decided in favour of the governor. 

While the trial of this cause was going on, the whole popu- 



THK TTNITED STATBs'.] l05 

lation took sides with one or the other of the litigant partieB. 
At this time, Bradford, formerly of Philadelphia, published a 
newspaper in New York, which was the organ of the go- 
vernor's party ; and John Peter Zenger another, which was 
the organ of Van Dam's or the popular party. The ballads, 
squibs, and serious charges in the latter irritated the governor 
and his council to madness. They passed an order directing 
the city magistrates to cause the paper to be burnt by the 
common whipper; but the magistrates not only refused to 
obey this order, but forbade any of their officers to execute it. 
Chief- Justice Delancey strove to induce the grand jury to in- 
dict Zenger, but failed. He was then committed to prison by 
order of the council, on the charge of publishing seditious 
libels ; and, the grand jury again refusing to indict him, the 
attorney-general prosecuted him by information. At the first 
term, the same counsel who had been retained by Van Dam 
were employed to defend Zenger. They objected to the com- 
petency of the court to try him, the judges having been ap- 
pointed during the pleasure of the governor, and without ad- 
vice of council. This objection was urged with such bold- 
ness, that the judges, alter overruling it, dismissed the ad- 
vocates from the bar. 

Zenger pleaded not guilty ; and, at the next term, on the 
day of the trial, Andrew Hamilton, an eloquent lawyer of 
Philadelphia, who had been secretly engaged, appeared in 
court to speak in his defence. His friends anticipated that, 
according to the decision of English judges, all evidence of- 
fered to prove the truth of the publications would be rejected ; 
and every citi/en had, in various modes of public and private 
discussion, been made fully acquainted with the circumstances 
of the case. The evidence was offered and rejected ; but the 
jury — after listening with delight to a bold and animated ad- 
dress from the elocpient advocate, in which he animadverted 
freely on the decision of the court, appealed to their own 
knowledge of the truth of the charges, and uttered, in fervid lan- 
guage, those cardinal principles of universal liberty and free 
discussion, which, though then heresies, are now acknow- 
ledged doctrines — gave a verdict of acquittal. Applause re- 
sounded through the hall. The court threatened to imprison 
the leader of the tumult ; but from the same lips an applaud- 
ing shout, longer and louder than before, again burst forth. 
Mr. Hamilton was conducted from the hall to a splendid en- 
tertainment. A salute of cannon was fired at his departure 
fronj f h(^ city ; and the corporation ])resented him the freedom 
of the city, in a gold box, " for his learned and generous de- 
fence of tlie rights of mankind and the liberty of the press." 

Governor Cosby died in 1730 ; and, as Van Dam was sup- 
B 5 



IK)^ ^i,S7:oBy of 

posed to ]be senior coiincillor, liis party exulted in the expecta- 
tion tliat he would {igaiu preside over the colony ; but a 
document was exhibited, bearing- the 8ip:nuture of Cosby, and 
then first known to exist, dismissing him Ironi the council. 
George Clark, Che next in seniority, took tlie chair, and was 
soon ait(n* a})pointed lieutenant-governor. Again Avas revived 
the cojitest wjiich had ended, twenty years before, in the vic- 
tory gained by GovenKn- llunfer over the house of representa- 
tives. 'yh(} colony being in debt, i]\e bouse voted to raise the 
sura of .siix thousand pounds; but, in order to prevent its mis- 
apj)lieation, declart^d that it slunild be apjjlied to the payment 
of certain specified debts. Offended by this vote, Clark rc- 
sort.ed to tlu^ (expedient \\ hich had usually been adopted to 
punisli or intiinidate ; ho innnediately dissolved the asscMiibly. 

At the next election, great exertions were made by the op- 
posing i)arlies. The popular party was triumphant. At their 
second session, the house voted an address to the lieutenant- 
governor, Avhich is worthy of particular notice. In bold and 
explicit language, they s'tate some of the vital principles of 
free government, refer to recent misapplications of money, and 
proctH'd — 

" AVe Iherefore beg leave to be })lain with your honour, and 
hope you will not take it amiss when we tell you, that you 
are not to expect that we will either raise sums unlit to be 
raised, or j)ut what we shall raise into the power of a go- 
ve;'nor to misai)ply, if we can prevent it ; nor shall we make 
up any other deficiencies than Avhat we conceive are lit and 
just to be paid ; nor contiuue what support or revenue we 
shall raise, for any longer time than one year ; nor do we 
think it convenient to do even that, until such laws are passed 
as we conceive necessary lor the safety of the inhabitants of 
thJH colony, who have reposed a trust in us lor that only pur- 
pose, and which we are sure ycu will think it reasonable we 
.tj)iould act agreeably to ; and, by the grace of God, we shall 
endeavour not to deceive them." 

With a body of men so resolute in asserting their rights, 
the lieutanant-governor wisely forbode to contend. lie 
tiianked them for their address, and promised his cordial co- 
operation in all measures calculated to promote the prosperity 
of the colony, lie gave his assent to a law iirovidiug for t|ie 
more fivtpient election ot rei)resenta(ives ; which law, how- 
vvvr, two years afterwards, was abrogated by the king. 

Ibit between a house of rejiresentatives and a chief magis- 
trate deriving their authority IVom dilVerent sources, harmony 
could not long subsist. BIr. Clark, in his speech at tha open- 
ing of the next session, declared that, unless the revenue was 
granted for as long a time as it had been granted by former 
assemblies, his duty to his majesty forbade him from assenting 



THE UNITED STATK*.' 107 

to any act for continuing the excise, or for paying the colonial 
bills of credit. The house unanimously resolved, that it would 
not pass any bill for the grant of money, unless assurance 
should be given that the excise should he continued and the 
bills of credit redeemed. 

The lieutenant-governor iumiediately ordered the members 
to attend him. lie told them that " their i)roceedings were pre- 
sumptuous, daring, and un[)rocedented ; that he could not look 
upon them without astonishment, nor with honour suffer the 
house to sit any longer;" and ho accordingly dissolved it. 
Little more than a year had elapsed since the members were 
chosen ; but in that time they had, by their firm and s})irited 
conduct, in support 61' the rights of the people, merited the 
gratitude of tlieir constituents. 

About this time, a supposed "negro plot" occasioned great 
commotion and alarm in the city of New York. The frecjuent 
occurrence of fires, most of which were evidently caused by 
design, first excited the jealousy and susi)icions of the citi/ens. 
Terrified by danger which lurked unseen in the midst of them, 
they listened with eager credulity to the declaration of some 
abandoned females, that the negroes had combined to burn the 
city and make one of their number governor. Many were ar- 
rested and committed to prison. Other witnesses not more 
respectable than the first, came forward ; other negroes were 
accused, and t^en several white men were designated as 
concerned in the plot. 

When the time of trial arrived, so strong was the prejudice 
against the miserable negroes, that every lawyer in the city 
volunt(!ered against them. Ignorant and unassisted, nearly all 
who were tried were condemned. Fourteen were sentenced 
to be burned, eighteen to be hanged, seventy-one to be trans- 
ported ; anrl all these sentences were executed. Of the whites, 
two w(.Te convic^ted, and suffi'red death. 

All aj)prehension of danger having subsided, many began to 
doubt wlu!ther any plot had, in fact, been concerfcnl. None of 
the witnesses wcnv pi-rsons of credit; their stories were ex- 
travagant, and often contradictory; and the project was such 
as none but fools or madmen would form. The two white 
men were respectable; one had received a liberal education, 
but he was a Catholic, and the prejudice against Catholics was 
too violent to permit the free exercise of reason. Some of the 
accused were doubtlpss guilty of setting fire to the city ; but 
theproof of the alleged plot was not sutficiently clear to justify 
the numerous and cruel punislunents that wore inflicted. 

In April, 1710, the assembly met again. It had now risen 
to importance in the colony. The adherence of the represen- 
tatives to their determination, not to grant the revenue lor 
jnore than one year, made annual meetings of the assembly 



108 HISTORY OP 

necessary. This attachment to liberty was mistaken for the 
desire of independence. Lieutenant-Governor Clark^ in a 
speech delivered in 1741, alludes to "a jealousy which for 
siome years had obtained in England, that the plantations were 
not without thoughts of throwing off their dependence on the 
crown." 

In 1743, George Clinton was sent over as governor of the 
colony. He was an admiral in the navy, the younger son of 
an earl, had many noble relatives, needed the salary to re- 
plenish his purse, and knew little else than how to manage a 
ship. He was not, however, an unfavourable specimen of the 
men appointed by the English ministry to be plantation go- 
vernors. Like most of his predecessors, he was welcomed 
with joy ; and one of his earliest measures confirmed the fa- 
vourable accounts, which had preceded him, of his talents and 
liberality. To show his willingness to repose confidence in 
the people, he assented to a bill limiting the duration of the 
present and all succeeding assemblies. The house manifested 
its gratitude by adopting the measures he recommended for 
the defence of the province against the French, who were then 
at war with England. 

In 1 745, the savages in alliance with France made frequent 
invasions of the English territories. The inhabitants were 
compelled to desert Hoosick; Saratoga was destroyed; the 
western settlements in New England were often attacked and 
plundered. Encouraged by success, the enemy became' more 
daring, and small parties ventured within the suburbs of Al- 
bany, and there lay in wait for prisoners. It is even said that 
one Indian, called Tomonwilemon, often entered the city and 
sncceeded in taking captives. 

Distressed by these incursions, the assembly, in 1746, deter- 
mined to unite with the other colonies and the mother country 
in an expedition against Canada. They appropriated money 
to purchase provisions for the army, and offered liberal boun- 
ties io recruits. Governor Clinton endeavoured to persuade 
the Mohawks to take up arms against the French ; but as he 
had ([uarrelled with Delancey, and dismissed Schuyler from 
being {igent of Indian affairs, he found them less tractable than 
formerly. In the place of Schuj'ler, he had appointed William 
Johnson, a nephew of Commodore Warren. He had lately 
emigrated from England, purchased a tract of land in the 
midst of the Indians, adopted their dress and manners, and 
taken several princesses for wives. But success or failure 
of the efforts made in the colony became unimportant. The 
fleet from England did not arrive at the appointed time ; the 
other colonies were dilatory in their preparations, and before 
they Avere completed, the season for military operations had 
passed away. 



THE tTNITED STATES^ 109 

Early in the next year, a treaty was concluded, and the 
inhabitants were, for a short period, relieved from the burdens 
and distresses of war. During the interval of peace, no event 
of importance happened in the colony. Upon the recurrence, 
a few years afterwards, of hostilities, its territory was the 
theatre of sanguinary conflicts. But of that war, in which all 
the colonies acted in concert, a connected history will be 
hereafter given. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

NEW JERSEY. 

Hudson, in his voyage made in 1609, discovered and entered 
the Bay of Delaware, and sailed along the coast of New 
Jersey, before he entered the harbour of New York. The 
Dutch West India Company, in whose service he sailed, 
claimed, therefore, the territory of this state, as a part of the 
New Netherlands. Soon after New York was settled, some 
Dutch families seated themselves on the west shore of the 
Hudson, near that city. In 1623, Cornelius Jacobse Mey, 
whom the company sent out with a small number of people, 
landed at Cape May, at the mouth of Timber Creek, a few 
miles below Philadelphia, on the eastern shore of the Dela- 
ware, erected a fort, which he called Nassau. 

In 1630, Godyn and Bleomart, with the sanction of the com- 
pany, purchased of the natives a tract of land at Cape May, 
but made no settlement. In 1634, Sir Edmund Ployden ob- 
tained from the king of England a grant of the country on the 
Delaware, which he called New Albion, and attempted, it is 
said, to plant a colony there. In 1638, a small number of 
Swedes and Finns come over, purchased land of the natives 
on both banks of the Delaware, but made their principal set- 
tlements on its western shore. In 1640, New Haven, then a 
separate colony, purchased land in the same region, for pur- 
poses of trade, and " for the settlement of churches in gospel 
order and purity." That they effected a settlement, has been 
asserted and denied. It is certain that, in ] 643, their agent 
complained to the commissioners of the United Colonies of New 
England of molestations suffered from the Dutch and vSwedes 
on the Delaware, and that subsequently, a vessel with adven- 
turers on board, destined to the palce purchased, was seized 
by Governor Kieft, at New York, and compelled to return. 
It is agreed, that, about this time a settlement was made, at 
Elsingburgh, by the English ; but whether by New Haven or 
by Sir Edmund Ployden is uncertain. The Swedes, in concert 



l]0 HISTORY OF 

with the Dutch, drove them out of the country. The former 
built a fort at the place whence the English had been driven ; 
and, gaining- thus the command of the river, claimed and exer- 
cised authority over all vessels that entered it, even those of 
the Dutch Avho had lately assisted them. 

They and the Dutch continued in possession of the country 
until 1655, when Peter Stuyvesant, governor of the New 
Netherlands, having obtained assistance from Holland, con- 
quered all their posts, and transported most of the Swedes to 
Europe. But the Dutch did not long retain possession. In 

1664, Charles II. granted to his brother, the Duke of York, 
all the territory between the Connecticut and the Delaware 
Eivers, and sent, the same year, a squadron to wrest it from 
the Dutch. New York was first conquered, and then the set- 
tlements of the Delaware inmiediately submitted. Nichols, 
who commanded the expedition, and assumed the authority of 
governor, encouraged tanners from Long Island and New 
England to emigrate to the country south of the Hudson, by 
authorizing them to purchase land directly from the natives, 
and by confirming their title by a i)atent ; and many seated 
themselves at Elizabeth town, Newark, Middleton, and 
Shrewsbury. But in the same year, and before the date of 
Nichol's patent, the duke conveyed the territory between the 
Hudson and the Delaware to Lord Berkeley and Sir George 
Carteret. To this tract the name of Nev/ Jersey was given, in 
compliment to vSir George, who had been governor of the 
island of Jersey, and had held it for King Charles in his con- 
test with the parliament 

The two proprietors formed a constitution for the colony, 
securing equal privileges and liberty of conscience to all, 
and appointed Philip Carteret governor. He came o^'er in 

1665, fixed the seat of government at Elizabethtown, pur- 
chased land of the Indians, and sent agents into England to 
invite settlers from that (juarter. The terms offered were so 
favourable that many accepted the invitation. One of the in- 
ducements held out, was a bounty of seventy-five acres of 
land for every able-bodied slave introduced. But the emi- 
grants were of a class accustomed and willing to labour ; 
many of them came from a country where man-stealing was 
punishable by law ; and but few took measures to entitle 
themselves to the bounty. 

A fe\v years afterwards, the repose of the colony was dis- 
turbed by domestic dis^putes. Those of the inhabitants who 
had purchased lands of tb,e Indians, and received a confir- 
mation of their title from Nichols, before the conveyance from 
the diike was known, refus. d to pay rent to the proprietors. 
Others were discontented from different causes. In 1672, the 
people assumed the government, and chose James Carteret, 



THE UNITED STATES.' 11} 

ilie son of I^hilip, their governor. The father returned to 
]'^ng]aTid, and obtained from tlie proprietors such concessions 
and promises as quieted the people, and induced them again 
to submit to his authority. 

Lord Berkeley, in 1 G75, disposed of his property, rights, 
and privileges, to John Fenwick, intrust for Edward Billinge, 
both Quakers ; and the former immediately sailed, with his 
family and a large company, to the Delaware, established 
himself at a place near Elsirigburgh, and called it Salem. Bil- 
linge, being involved in debt, con.sented that this ])roperty 
and rights should be sold for the benefit of his creditors; and 
William Penn, (iawen Laurie, and Nicholas Lucas, were ap- 
pointed ^trustees for that purpose. Being all Quakers, they 
resolved to ^Jecure, in New Jersey, an asylum for their perse- 
cuted brethren ; find being desirous of pos^jjessing the sole 
power to institute a government, they and Sir George Carteret 
agreed to make partition of the territory. The western por- 
tion was assigned to them, the eastern to Carteret. 

West Jersey was then divided into one hundred shares, 
which were separately sold. Some of the jjurchasers emigrated 
to the country, and all made great exertions to promote its 
population. Possessing the powers of government, as well 
as the "Ught of soil, they formed a constitution, in which for 
the encouragement of emigrants, thc^y secured to them ample 
privileges. In 1077, a large number, principally Quakers, 
came from England, and seated themselves at Burlington, and 
its neighbourhood. 

But previous to the transfer from Berkeley, to Billinge, the 
Dutch, Ijeing at war with England, reconquered the country, 
and retained it until 1674. when it was restored by treaty. 
A new patent was then granted to the duke, including the 
same territory as the f()rmer. In 1071, Sir Edmund Andros, 
who h;id been ai)poiiited hissole go\ernor in America, claimed 
jurisdiction over the Jerseys, insisting that the contjuest by 
the Dutch divested the proprietors of all their rights; that the 
reconquest again vested the title in the crown; and that the 
duke again acquired it entire by his second patent. He forci- 
IjI}'- seized, transported to New York, and there imprisoned, 
those magistrates who refused to acknowledge his authority, 
and he imposed a duty upon all goods imported, and upon all 
who came to settle in the country. 

Of this injustice the inhabitants, especially those of West 
Jersey, loudly com])lained to the duke; and at length their re- 
pf^ated remonstrances constrained him to refer the matter to 
commissioners Before them agents of the jjroprietors apj)eared. 
In strong language they asserted, and by strong arguments 
supported, their claim to tlu; [)rivileges of freemen They re- 
presented that the king had granted to the duke the right of 



112 HISTORt OP 

government as Well as the right of soil, that the duke had 
transferred the same rights to Berkeley and Carteret, and they 
to the present proprietors. 

" That only," they added, " could have induced us to pur- 
chase lands and emigrate. And the reason is plain: to all 
prudent men, the government of any place is more inviting 
than the soil ; for what is good land without good laws ? 
What but an assurance that we should enjoy civil and re- 
ligious privileges, could have tempted us to leave a cultivated 
country, and resort to a gloomy wilderness? What have we 
gained, if, after adventuring in this wilderness many thousands 
of pounds, we are yet to be taxed at the mere will and plea- 
sure of another ? What is it but to say, that people, free by 
law under their prince at home, are at his mercy in his planta- 
tions abroad ? 

" We humbly say, that we have lost none of our liberty by 
leaving our country ; that the duty imposed upon us is with- 
out precedent or parallel ; that, had we foreseen it, we should 
have preferred any other plantation in America. Besides, 
there is no limit to this power : since we are, by this prece- 
dent, taxed without any law, and thereby excluded from our 
English right of assenting to taxes, what security h^e we of 
any thing we possess? We can call nothing our own, but 
are tenants at will, not only for the soil, but for our personal 
estates. Such conduct has destroyed governments but never 
raised one to any true greatness." 

The commissioners adjudged the duties illegal, and they 
were not afterwards demanded. Emigrants continued to ar- 
rive, and the country to prosper. In 1681, the governor of 
West Jersey summoned a general assembly, by which several 
fundamental laws were enacted, establishing the rights of the 
people, and defining the powers of rulers. 

In 1682, the territory of East Jersey passed from Cateret to 
William Penn and and twenty-three associates, mostl}'^ of tlie 
Quaker persuasion. Robert Barclay, author of the ^' Apology 
for the Quakers," was appointed governor, and active mea- 
sures Avere adopted to fill it with inhabitants. At this time, 
the Presbyterians of Scotland, were persecuted by the Stuarts, 
with infuriated bigotry. Certainly the annals of our father- 
land contain no other pages from ■w-hich the reader tums Avith 
such instinctive horrror as from those which recount the re- 
morseless cruelties of Claverhouse, Kirk, and Jeffries, of which 
ministers and people, men, women, and young maidens, were 
the heroic victims. To them an asjdum was offered in East 
Jersey ; and man}'-, pure in heart and strong in faith, — for 
they had been tried by severer tests than even the Pilgrims 
of New England, — came over, and blessed the country with 
their piety, their industry, and their virtues. They found a 



THE UNITED STATES: 113 

more fertile soil, a more genial climate, and, what to them 
was dearer, the safe enjoyment of their faith. Dispersed 
among Puritans and Quakers, they could but feel contented ; 
and with such a population the colony saw that it had an assur- 
ance of prosperity. 

But the cup of happiness is never full. The multitude of 
proprietors, and the frequent transfers and subdivisions of 
shares, occasioned vexatious confusion in titles to land, and 
harassing uncertainty as to the rights of government ; and for 
twenty years all the evils which naturally flow from such bit- 
ter sources, continued to afflict the people. In 1702, the pro- 
prietors, weary of contending with each other, and with the 
people, surrendered the right of government to the crown. 
Queen Anne reunited the two divisions, and appointed Lord 
Cornbury governor over the colonies of New Jersey and New 
York. 

For several years, these provinces continued to be ruled by 
the same governor, but each chose a separate assembly. In 
1 708, the inhabitants, by petition to the king, requested that 
they might have a separate governor. Their request was 
granted, and soon after Lewis Morris was appointed. In the 
same year, a college was founded at Princeton, and called 
Nassau Hall. New Jersey then contained about forty thousand 
inhabitants. Beiug remote from Canada, the source of most 
of the Indian wars which afflicted the northern colonies, it 
enjoyed a complete exemption from that terrible calamity, 
and, until the commencement of the revolution, furnished no 
materials for history. 



CHAPTEE IX. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, was the son of 
Sir William Penn, an admiral in the British navy. Having, 
while a student at Oxford, violated the rules of the college, 
by attending the meetings of Quakers, he was at first fined, 
and afterwards expelled. His father chastised him, and ba- 
nished him from his home ; but, relenting, sent him to the con- 
tinent to complete his education. He remained a short time 
at the college of Saumur, and, upon the appointment of his 
father to the command of a squadron, was recalled home to 
superintend the estates of the family. For a while, he 
studied law at Lincoln's Inn ; mingled with London society, 
and acquired such skill in fencing, as to be able with ease to 
disarm any antagonist. 



U4 m?fTOBT OF 

In 1666, being then in his twenty-second year, and on a 
journey in Ireland, he listened to the preaching of an eloquent 
Quaker, and imbibed all his enthusiasm. He joined the sect ; 
was imprisoned as a nonconformist ; returned to England, and 
was again turned out of doors by his father. He repaired to 
court with his hat on his head, claimed indulgence for the 
Friends, and was consigned to close imprisonment in the 
Tower. The Duke of York, his father's friend, obtained his 
release ; and the next year he was arraigned for having spoken 
at a Quaker meeting. When put on trial, he addressed the 
jury and the court with so much eloquence and boldness, that 
the former, after a confinement of two days and two nights, 
disregarding the law, brought in a verdict of acquittal ; and 
the latter fined the jury for returning a verdict against law, 
and fined and imprisoned Penn for contempt of court. He was 
discharged ; again offended ; and was again imprisoned. From 
Newgate he addressed the people in favour of liberty of con- 
science ; and, Avhen discharged, increased his exertions to pro- 
pagate his doctrines, and to obtain for his brethren the pro- 
tection of the laws. He travelled in Holland and Germany 
to distribute tracts and make converts ; and on his return ap- 
peared before the house of commons to plead for universal 
liberty of conscience. 

Being constituted a trustee of Billinge, one of the part 
owners of New Jei'sey, his attention was drawn to America ; 
and he conceived the project of trying, on its shores, the " holy 
experiment" of commingling all Christian sects in one politi- 
cal community, all equally unrestrained and unprivileged by 
the laws. He applied to the king for the grant of a tract, 
which he had ascertained wa^s not included in any previous 
patent. The nation was indebted to his father for his services ; 
and he, on his death- bed, had asked and received from the 
Duke of York, the brother of the king, a promise to protect 
and befriend his son. The want of personal favour at court 
being thus supplied, he obtained, in 1681, the grant he so- 
licited ; and the king insisted on calling the province Penn- 
sylvania. 

The charter contained some provisions not found in those 
previously granted. The king reserved the power, should not 
the laws of trade and navigation be observed, to seize the go- 
vernment, and retain it until compensation should be made ; 
and to the parliament was reserved the power of imposing 
taxes on the people. Experience had shown the government 
that such powers were essential to accomplish the objects they 
aimed at. Unlimited freedom of conscience to all Christian 
sects, and the right to be goveraed by laws enacted by them- 
selves, were secured to the people. 

Desirous of selling his lands and founding a colony, he, in a 



THE UNITED STATES. 115 

jmblic advertisement, described the country, and set forth the 
advantages which it offered to emigrants. Many persons, 
chiefly Quakers, but natives of England, Wales, Ireland, and 
Germany, were induced to purchase. His first terms, which 
were afterwards raised, were forty shillings for every hun- 
dred acres, subject to a quitrent of one penny per acre for ever. 
Before the emigrants embarked, certain " conditions and con- 
cessions" were by them and the proprietor agreed on and sub- 
scribed. 

In the fall, three ships^ carrying settlers, sailed for Pennsyl- 
vania. The pious and philanthropic proprietor sent by Wil- 
liam Markham, his relation, a letter to the Indians, informing 
them that " the great God had been pleased to make him con- 
cerned in their part of the world, and that the king of the 
country where he lived had given him a great province there- 
in ; but that he did not desire to enjoy it without their con- 
sent ; that he was a man of peace : and that the people whom 
he sent were of the same disposition ; and if any difference 
should happen between them, it might be adjusted by an equal 
number of men chosen on both sides." In compliance with 
his instructions, Markham purchased of the Indians as much 
land as the circumstances of the colony required. The posi- 
tion selected for .a settlement was above the confluence of the 
Delaware and the Schuylkill. The Welsh seated themselves 
on the present sites of Merrion, Haverford, and Radnor ; the 
Germans laid the foundation of Germantown. 

In April, 1682, Penn published a Frame of Government, the 
chief object of Avhich was declared to be "to support power 
in reverence with the people, and to secure the people from 
the abuse of power." He published also a Body of Laws, 
which had been examined and approved by the emigrants jjti 
England ; and whicli, says an eminent historian, " does great 
honour to their wisdom as statesmen, to their morals as men, 
and to their spirit as colonists " From the duke of York, he 
obtained the relinquishment of a tract of land lying on the 
south side of the Delaware, and now constituting the state of 
that name, a part of which was already "settled, and, in August, 
accompanied by about one hundred emigrants, set sail for 
America. 

He landed first at New Castle, which was a part of the 
" Territories," as the land conveyed to him by the duke was 
was called. Upon this tract he found about three thousand 
Dutch, Swedes, and Finns. He proceeded to Chester, where 
he called an assembly on the fourth of December. This assem- 
bly annexed the Territories to the province, adopted the 
Frame of Government, and enacted in form the Body of Laws. 
Penn also held a conference with the Indians, at which 
speeches were delivered, and the purchase m&de by J^Jarkhaiii 



116 HISTORY OF 

was confirmed. This conference was held at Kensington, 
under a large elm, which was afterwards regarded with vene- 
ration. The Indians, according to their custom, gave him a 
name, which was Onas, and by that name the governors of 
Pennsylvania were afterwards called ; but he was always, in 
all conferences with his successors, refered to by them as the 
great and good Ouas. He then selected the site, and marked 
out the plan, of an extensive city, to which he gave the name 
of Philadelphia, or the city of love. Before the end of the 
year, it contained eighty houses and cottages, some of which 
were brought from England. 

The settlement of none of the colonies commenced under 
such favourable auspices as that of Pennsylvania. The expe- 
rience of half a century had disclosed the evils to be avoided, 
and pointed out the course to be pursued. The Indians, hav- 
ing been already taught to fear the power of the whites, were 
the more easily conciliated by their kindness. The soil being 
fertile, the climate temperate, and the game abundant, the 
first emigrants escaped most of the calamities which afflicted 
the more northern and southern provinces. The increase of 
population exceeded, of course, all former example. Crowds 
flocked to it from all quarters, and particularly from Germany 
and Holland. 

The first frame of government or charter established a coun- 
cil of seventy-two members, one third to be chosen annually, 
and an assembly, to consist, at first of all the freemen, after- 
wards of two hundred, and never to exceed five hundred 
members. The proprietor was to be perpetual president of the 
council, and to have therein a treble vote. The council had 
the sole power of originating bills ; and these were to be pub- 
lished before the meeting of the assembly, that the representa- 
tives might come together prepared to express thereupon the 
sentiments of their constituents. The people began to think 
that such a numerous assembly would be a burden to the pro- 
vince ; the proprietor, fearing that his patent might be jeo- 
parded by legislative doings, was desirous of possessing more 
power to controul them. In 16S3, a new charter was adopted, 
by which, and by a vote of the assembly, the number of the 
council was reduced to eighteen, and of the assembly to 
thirty-six members ; and to the proprietor was given a con- 
trolling vote in the council, so that no law could be proposed 
without his assent. 

Some of the regulations proposed by Penn, and adopted, 
bear the impress of his singular genius and benevolent dispo- 
sition. It Avas ordained " that, to prevent law-suits, three 
arbitrators, to be called peace-makers, should be chosen by 
the county courts, to hear and determine small differences be- 
tween man and man ; that children should be taught some 



THI UNITED STATESi 117 

useful trade, to the end that none might be idle, that the poor 
might work to live, and the rich, if they should become poor, 
might not want; that factors, wronging their employers, 
should make satisfaction and one-third over ; that everything 
which excites the people to rudeness, crueltj' and irreligion, 
sliould be discouraged and severely punished; tliat no one, 
acknowledging one God, and living peaceably in society, 
should be molested for his opinions or his practice, or com- 
pelled to frequent or maintain any ministry whatever ; that 
all estates might be devised b^ will, and, if no will was made, 
they should descend etjually to all the children. 

These judicious regulations attracted numerous emigrants ; 
and to their salutary influence must be attributed the qualities 
of diligence, order, and economy, for which the Pennsylvani- 
ans are so justly celebrated. Within four years from the date 
of the grant to Penn, the province contained twenty settle- 
ments, and Philadelphia two thousand inhabitants. 

In 1684, the proprietor returned to England. He left the 
province in profound tranquillity, committing the executive 
authority to the council, — of which Thomas Lloyd, a Quaker 
from Wales, was made president, — and afterwards to five 
selected members of the council. The unfortunate James the 
Second soon after ascended the throne. " As he has," said 
Penn, " been my friend, and my father's friend, I feel bound 
in justice to be a friend to him." He adhered to him while 
seated on the throne ; and for two years after he was expelled 
from his kingdom, the government of the province was ad- 
ministered in his name. 

By this display of attachment to the exiled monarch, he in- 
curred the displeasure of King William. On vague suspicion, 
and unfounded charges, he was four times imprisoned. The 
government of his colony was taken from him, and given to 
Colonel Fletcher, the governor of New York. But, by the 
severest scrutiny, it was rendered apparent, that he had, in 
all his conduct, been actuated as much by the love of his 
country as by pergonal gratitude. Pie regained the good 
opinion of King William ; and, being permitted to resume 
and exercise his rights, appointed William Markham to be his 
deputy-governor. 

In 1699, he again visited Pennsylvania, and found the peo- 
ple discontented. They complained that his powers and their 
rights were not defined with sufficient precision, and demanded 
a new charter. In 1701, he prepared and presented one to 
the assembly, which was accepted. It gave the whole power 
of legislation to the governor and assembly, the governor 
being authorized to propose bills and to reject those passed 
by the assembly. It made no provision for the election, by 
the people, of members of the council, and scarcely recognized 



118 HISTORY OP 

that body as a part of the government. To the assembly it 
gave the power to originate bills ; to amend or reject those 
which might be laid before them ; to adjourn at pleasure, and 
to meet at such times as it might appoint ; and generally to 
do whatever might be done by the assemblies of other colo- 
nies in America. It authorized the people in each county to 
choose two persons for sheriff, and the justices to choose three 
persons for clerk of the peace, out of which the governor was 
to appoint One ; and it made various other provisions, the in- 
tent of which was to secure the people from the abuse of 
power. 

The . inhabitants of the Territories had complained that, 
sending but fev/ representatives to the assembly, their pecu- 
liar interests had been neglected. A supplemental article was 
therefore added, giving them the privilege of dissolving the 
union at any time within three years. They decided in favour 
of a dissolution, and were allowed a distinct assembly, but 
the same governor presided over both. 

Immediately after this third charter was accepted, Penn 
appointed Andrew Hamilton deputy-governor, and a council 
consisting of ten members, and returned to- England, being 
much better pleased with a residence in London than in Penn- 
sylvania. From this time the history of the colony ceases to 
be interesting. No glorious, nor disastrous, nor striking event 
occurred. With an account of petty quarrels between the 
proprietor and the people — the landlord and his tenants — a 
volume might be filled ; but it would only serve to prove the 
oft-asserted truths, that the long possession of power renders 
the best men less worthy to possess it; that a people, situated 
as these colonists were, are more disposed to make encroach- 
ments upon power than to submit to encroachments from it ; 
and that, if men may be restrained by principle from commit- 
ting great wickedness, it is impossible to eradicate from the 
human heart the passion of envy and the love of gain. But if 
it cannot be said that either the proprietor or the people were 
perfect, it may with truth be said that in few colonies were 
the actions of the people subject to so little restraint, and in 
none was there so great prosperity. 

The almost continual absence of the proprietor from his 
province, basking in the smiles of James and Anne, with both 
of whom he was a favourite, sundered the ties which once 
bound him to his people. IMany had never seen him ; and a 
great many, not being Quakers, were connected with him by 
no religious sympathy. They knew him only as the receiver 
of rents, and felt less grateful for the favours he bestowed, 
than dissatisfied at those he withheld. They believed him to 
be rich, and the quit-rents which they owed him, though 
trifling and just^ Were grudgingly paid. He was, in fact, sui"- 



THE UNItEt) StATES. 119 

ffering from poverty. He had expended upon liis province 
more than he had received ; he had expended much at court, 
and more in his exertions to sustain and protect his persecuted 
brethren ; and he was compelled to require of his tenants all 
that he could legally claim. In 1708, he was imprisoned for 
debt, and could obtain bis discharge only by mortgagirilg 
Pennsylvania. In 1712, he entered into a negociation with 
the crown for transferring to it the government of his pro- 
vince , and finally agreed to accept for it twelve thousand 
pounds ; but before the legal forms were completed, he was 
reduced, by an apoplectic stroke, to the imbecility of infancy. 
In this state he lingered until 1718, when he died. His wi- 
dow, as executrix of his will, assumed the management of the 
province, and retained it until 1732, when it passed into the 
hands of his sons, John, Thomas, and Richard Penn. At this 
time, an anonymous author estimates the population at thirty 
thousand, but it was probably greater. 

Under deputy-governors appointed by these young men, the 
colony continued to prosper, and the people to murmur ; but 
their discontents never rose to the dignity of rebellion. They 
had more causes of dissatisfaction than before : but these 
causes were trifling, for they knew not what oppression was. 
The wars carried on by the neighbouring colonies against the 
French and Indians, and the measures of protection adopted 
against apprehended incursions of the Indians into her own 
borders, increased the expenses of the colony ; the proprietors 
refused to pay any part of those expenses ; and their deputy 
refused, as instructed by them, to assent to any act levying 
taxes which did not exempt their own lands from its operatioo. 
This unwise, and indeed unjust, claim of exemption, occa- 
sioned greater disgust than injury, and embittered all the en- 
joyments of the inhabitants. 

Most of the colonies, and this among them, had, to defray 
their expenses, or to furnish a currency, made frequent emis- 
sions of paper money. The English parliament enacted a law 
prohibiting further issues ; but Pennsylvania was not included 
in the prohibition. In 1752, the assembly passed a bill autho- 
rising the emission of forty thousand dollars ; but the governor 
withheld his assent, from the fear, as he alleged, of offending 
the parliament, which had so lately disapproved of this species 
of currency. His objections were referred to a committee, of 
which Benjamin Franklin was chairman. In their report, the 
committee took a comprehensive view of the effect of a paper 
currency. They demonstrated that, by its aid, the commerce, 
population, and internal improvements of the province had 
greatly increased. They stated that, in 1723, vv^hen the first 
emission was made, the number of vessels cleared from Penn- 
sylvania was but eighty-five; in 1751, it was four hundred 



120 HISTORY OF 

and three : — that the imports from England, in 1723, amounted 
to but sixteen thousand pounds; in 1751, the}' amounted to 
one hundred and twenty-nine thousand: — that the exports 
had trebled, being, in 1751, one hundred and eighty-seven 
thousand pounds : — that the price of labour had been raised, 
agricultural improvements had been rapidly made, and, in 
twenty years, the population had doubled. 

The governor persisted in withholding his assent ; and a 
number of bills, of the same purport, subsequently passed by 
the assembly, were also negatived. Franklin continued to be 
the champion of paper money ; and it is remarkable that, during 
this period of our history, that species of currency was often 
demanded by the poor, and opposed by the rich. In a new 
country, deficient in capital, and with resources which may be 
rapidly developed, paper may be well employed as a substi- 
tute for sjiecie ; but the enormous issues made during the re- 
volutionary war demonstrated very clearly that the unlimited 
power to issue is liable to great abuse. 

It will be seen hereafter that the people of Pennsylvania 
took an active part in the revolutionary contest. In the early 
part of the war, they adopted a new constitution, by which 
the proprietor was excluded from all share in the government. 
He was offered, and finall}' accepted, five hundred and seventy 
thousand dollars in discharge of all quit-rents due from the 
inhabitants. 



CHAPTER X. 

DELAWARE. 

It has already been stated that Hudson, sailing in the service 
of the Dutch West India Company, discovered the River Dela- 
ware. In 1629, one Godyu, a director of that company, pur- 
chased of the natives a tract of land near the mouth of that 
river, on its western bank. The next year, he, in connection 
with others, sent De Tries, with about thirty persons, to 
make a settlement, and they seated themselves near Lewis- 
town. In 1632, De Vries returned to Holland, and, soon after 
his departure, a quarrel arose between the emigrants and the 
natives, in which every emigrant was killed. 

Gustavus xVdolphus, the best and greatest of Swedish kings, 
partaking of the spirit which actuated his brother sovereigns, 
resolved to plant a colony in America, for the benefit " of all 
oppressed Christendom." A commercial company, to whom 
was granted the right to plant colonies, was incorporated ; 
the king invested four hundred thousand dollars^ and reserved 



THK UNITED STATES. 121 

to the crown the right of government. Colonists were in- 
vited from all Europe, and the introduction of slaves, if not 
forbidden, was discouraged. " Slaves," it was said, " cost a 
great deal, labour with reluctance, and soon perish from hard 
usage ; surely we shall gain more by a free people, with wives 
and children." 

After the death of Gustavus, at the battle of Lutzen, Oxen- 
stiern, the celebrated Swedish minister, then administering 
the government for the young (j^ueen, Christina, in a special 
appeal to Germany in favour ot the enterprise, announced 
himself to be but the executor of the wishes of his late 
sovereign, and declared that the accomplishment of the de- 
sign " would be favourable to all Christendom, to Europe, to 
the whole world." Minuits, who had been the Dutch governor 
of Manhattan, was selected to join the first expedition. In 
1638, with a small number of Swedes and Fimis, he arrived in 
Delaware Bay. They landed, early in the season, at Cape 
Henlopen ; and so delighted were those emigrants from the 
cold regions of the north with the country and the clima,te, 
that they named it Paradise Point. They purchased of the 
natives the soil from the Cape to the falls near Trenton, and 
erected a fort at the mouth of the Christiana Creek, not far 
from Wilmington. The country they called New Sweden, and 
the river New Swedeland Stream. 

Kieft, the governor of the New Netherlands, protested 
against this encroachment upon the territory of his sovereigns, 
the Dutch West India Company, but dared not then molest 
them. Such were the tidings born back to the north, that 
many of the peasants of Sweden and Finland eagerly hastened 
to this beautiful garden of the New World. The Dutch, who 
had deserted, re-occupied their fort at Nassau, in New Jersey ; 
and Printz, the Swedish governor, erected one, of huge hem- 
lock logs, on the island of Tmicum, a few miles below 
Philadelphia, where he established his head-quarters. A few 
Englishmen seated themselves below, on both sides of the 
- river ; but they were not made welcome by the Swedes or 
the Dutch, and were soon driven away. 

The Swedish colony increased in numbers. The Dutch still 
claiming the country, built Fort Casirair, at Newcastle, five 
miles from Christiana. Printz, in his turn protested ; and 
Risingh, his successor, in 1G54, going with thirty men on pre- 
tence of making a friendly visit to the commander, took 
possession of it while enjoying his hospitality. This dishonour- 
able action did not remain long unavenged. Stuyvesant the 
governor of the New Netherlands, returned, the next year, 
the visit of Risingh. He came with no friendly pretence, but 
with an armament furnished in part by the city of Amster- 
p 



122 HISTORT OF 

dam, which h*d purchased the territory op the Delaware. He 
first reduced the fort at Newcastle, then that at Christiana 
Creek, and subsequently the others. Some of the Swedes 
were sent to Europe ; the rest on taking the oath of allegiance 
to Holland, were permitted to remain. I\Iany of their de- 
scendants yet continue in Delaware, living memorials of the 
transient connection with the territory of th§ United States 
of the virtuoug Oxenstiern and the brave Gustavus. 

The settlement on the Delaware continued under the con- 
trol of the Dutch until the New Netherlands were conquered 
by the English, in 1644. The duke of York then came into 
possession of all the Dutch had occupied. The English laws 
were established on both sides of the river ; Newcastle was 
incorporated ; and merchants were relieved from the duty of 
entering their goods at New York, as before they were 
obliged to do. Afterwards Dutch privateers, ascending the 
Delaware, committed depredations on the inhabitants ; and 
they were authorized, to collect, as a recompense, a duty 
Ott imports at the Hoarkills. 

Lord Baltimore had always claimed the country on the 
west side of the river as a part of his grant, which extended 
to the fortieth degree of north latitude, but excepted tracts 
already occupied. Incursions had been made from Maryland 
with the view of driving away th.e settlers ; and once posses- 
sion was taken, and for some time kept, of the post at the 
Hoarkills. At length William Penn, having obtained a grant 
of Pennsylvania, and being desirous of owning the land on 
the west bank of the Delaware, from his province to the sea, 
procured from the duke a release of all his title and claim, in 
one deed, to Newcastle and the land twelve miles round it, 
and, in another, to the land between this tract and the sea. 
In October, 1682, he arrived at Newcastle, and in the pre- 
sence of a crowd of Dutcli, Swedes, and English, produced 
and read his deeds. The agent of the duke surrendered to 
him the territory ; he addressed the multitude, promising 
them liberty of conscience and civil i'reedom ; and then as- 
cended the Delaware to take possession of his province of 
Pennsylvania. 

Lord Baltimore still asserted his claim ; but Penn resisted it 
on the ground that, at the time of the grant of IMaryland, the 
territory was occupied. In 1685, the lords of trade and plan- 
tations decided that the claim of Baltimore was unfounded ; 
and though the duke of York had no title but that derived 
from occupancy, his grant extending only to the east bank of 
the bay, yet no one else appeared to dispute the title of Penn; 
and the boundary between him and Baltimore was afterwards 
adjusted by compromise. 

The two tracts now constituting the state of Delaware^ 



J 



THE UNITED STATES. 123 

Penn called his Territories. They were divided into three 
counties^ and for twenty years were governed as a part of 
Pennsylvania, each sending six delegates to the general as- 
sembly. In 1703, these delegates, not being willing to act 
with an assembly which neglected their own peculiar in- 
terests, obtained liberty to secede ; and the Territories were 
ever afterwards allowed a distinct assembly. The proprietor, 
however, until the commencement of the revolution, retained 
all his rights, and the same governor uniformly presided over 
his province and the Territories. 

Sheltered by the surrounding colonies, Delaware enjoyed 
an entire exemption from wars, except those in which, as a 
part ot the British empire, she was obliged to participate. In 
the war with France, which terminated in 1763, she was 
second to none in active zeal to assist the parent state. In 
the revolutionary war, the Delaware regiment was considered 
the most efficient in the Continental army. 



CHAPTER XI. 

M A R r L A N D. 

George Calvert, one of the secretaries of state under 
James I., had, from early life, shared in the general enthu- 
siasm in favour of plantations in America. He was a Pro- 
testant in his youth ; but, being con'> inced that the Catholic 
was the truth faith, he avowed his conviction and resigned 
liis office. The king, hov/ever, confiding in his integrity, re- 
tained him as a member of his privy council, and afterwards 
placed him in the list of Irish peers, v/ith the title of Lord 
Ealtimore. AVhile secretary of state, he had obtained a 
special patent of the southern promontory of-Newfouudland, 
and made repeated, but unsuccessfal, effijrts to plant a colony 
there. Having been a member of the South Virginia Com- 
pany, he then visited that part of the continent, in the hope 
of finding a retreat for his persecuted brethren. Upon his iw- 
rival, the assembly directed that the usual oath oi allegiance, 
and another oath prescribed by an English statute acknow- 
ledging the king to be the only snureme governor, in ail Jiis 
dominions, as well in temporal as ecclesiastical matters, 
should be tendered to him. As the Catholics then believed 
the pope to be the supreme and only head of their church, 
Lord Baltimore refused to take these oaths. 

Not being received in Virginia with the v/elconie he ex- 
pected, he returned to England, and solicited from Charles I. 
a grant to himself of the territory then uninhabited, on both 



124 HISTORY OF 

sides of Chesapeake Bay. Charles assented ; a patent was pre- 
pared, according: to the suggestions of Lord Baltimore ; Init 
he died before the king's signature was aflixed. It was af- 
terwards, in 1632, issued to Cecil, his eldest son, and heir of 
his estate and title. 

For the liberal provisions of this charter. King Charles, as 
■well as Lord Baltimore, deserves special commendation. It 
granted and secured to all Christian sects equal protection 
and equal privileges. In England, the Catholics were then 
odious, and the objects of bitter persecution ; by this charter, 
the sovereign set apart a fertile and delightful territory to 
which they might retire and worship Cod according to the 
dictates of conscience. B}'^ placing, not tacitly but expressly, 
all sects upon a level, it displayed an advance in liberality, 
for which he who gave and he who solicited and accepted it 
are entitled to the highest credit, and to the higher credit 
from its being the first charter which contained similar i)rovi- 
fiions. It secured, moreover, to the people the right to enact 
their own laws, by themselves or their representatives, sub- 
ject only to the negative of the proprietor ; and it conceded to 
the inhabitants the inestimable favour of perpetual exemption 
from all English taxes. To the colony the name of Maryland 
was given, in honour of Henrietta Maria, the Catholic wife of 
Charles. 

The territory being within the limits of Virginia, as de- 
scribed in her charter, several inhabitants of that colony, who 
probably carried on trade with the Indians of the Chesapeake, 
remonstrated against the grant to Lord Baltimore. But the 
Mrginia charter had been forfeited, and the king refused to 
rescind his grant. The proprietor a])pointed Leonard Calvert, 
his brother, governor, and desi)atched him, near the close of 
the year 1633, to America, accompanied by about two hun- 
dred emigrants, mostly Roman Catholics. 

They arrived, in February, 1 634, at the mouth of the River 
Potomac. At a conference with the Indians who dwelt on 
the shore, they purchased Yoamaco, a considerable tillage, 
the site of which St. INIary's now occupies. By this measure, 
wise as well as just, the rightful proprietors of the soil were 
satisfied, convenient habitations and some cultivated land 
were obtained. Arriving at a favourable season, instead of 
searching for gold, they planted corn, and raised enough for 
their own consumption, and some to exchange for the fish of 
New England. 

But Maryland, in William Clayborne, had its evil genius, 
as well as New England in Edward Randolph. He was a 
member of the council, and secretary of the colony of Vir- 
ginia ; and in 1631 obtained a license from the king to trade 
with the Indians in places where the exclusive right to trade 



THE UNITED STATES. ] 25 

with them had not been granted. Under thia license, he had 
made a small settlement on the Island of Kent, and anotner 
near the mouth of the Susquehannah. He pretended to regard 
the grant to Lord Baltimore as an infringement of his rights; 
he had good reason to apprehend from it a diminution of his 
profits. Upon the first arrival of the emigrants, he attempted 
to alarm them by representing tin; natives as decidedly hos- 
tile. To the natives he represented the " new comers" aa 
Spaniards and enemies to the Virginians ; and these represen- 
tations had tlie effect of rendering them suspicious and un- 
friendly. 

Not content with this mode of annoying the emigrants, he 
directed Warren, one of his men, to seize any vessel he might 
meet with belonging to Lord Baltimore's party. In the 
spring of 1635, Warren attempted to seize. two pinnaces, was 
resisted, himself and two men slain, and his own party killed 
one of the emigrants. For this murder, Clayborne, though 
not present, was indicted ; and fleeing to Virginia, was de- 
manded of the governor of that colony, who refused to deliver 
him up, but sent him to England that the case might be de- 
termined there. 

Shortly after this event, the people assembled to exercise 
the legislative power conferred by the charter. Every freeman 
was probably present by himself or by proxy. No record of 
their doings has been preserved. It is known that they passed 
an act confiscating the property of Clayborne ; and subsequent 
documents show that they passed some acts which the pro- 
prietor negatived. Clayborne applied to the king for redres;-j, 
but, after a full hearing, was dismissed without obtaining any 
order in his favour. 

With the exception of the enmity of Clayborne, and the un- 
friendliness of the Indians produced by his intrigues, every 
thing conspired to render the colony prosperous. The emi- 
grants wisely sought their support from agriculture rather 
than from mines and trade. The proprietor was generous with 
his means, and indefatigable in his efforts to insure success ; 
he offered the most favourable terms to emigrants ; the soil 
and climate were inviting ; fro;n abroad Catholics came aa 
to a secure asylum ; from the south Churchmen drove Pu- 
ritans, from the north Puritans drove Churchmen, into her 
borders, where all were willingly received, protected, and 
cherished. 

At first, all the freemen, attending in a body, by themselves 
or by proxy, passed such laws as the welfare of the colony 
required. Thf; increase of population soon rendered it neces- 
sary to adopt a different mode of legislation. In 1039, an act 
was passed, constituting a " house of assembly," to be com- 
posed of such as should be chosen by the people; of such as 



126 HISTORY OP 

should be summoned or appointed by the proprietor, and of 
the orovernor and secretary. These were to sit together, and 
the laws which they should enact were to possess the same 
validity as though the proprietors and all the people had con- 
curred in enacting them. In 1050, a second alteration was 
made. The legislative body was divided into two branches, 
the delegates chosen by the people constituting the lower 
house, and the persons summoned by the proprietors, the up- 
per house. 

^Vllen the civil war between the king and parliament began, 
Clayborne embraced the cause of the latter, returned to Mary- 
land, and by his intrigues fomented, in 1645, a rebellion against 
its rulers, who were attached to the royal cause. Calvert, 
i\ie governor, was compelled to fly to Virginia, and the insur- 
gents assumed the powers of government. The next year, 
however, the revolt was suppressed and tranquillity restored. 

AVatching the progress of the contest in England, the pro- 
prietor, desirous probably of strengthening himself with the 
rising party by following examples of Puritan rigour, and fear- 
ful, perhaps, that the Catholics might lose their privileges, ap- 
proved a law, which the assembly had passed, declaring that 
any one, who should blaspheme God or deny the Holy Trinity, 
should suffer death ; and declaring also that no person pro- 
fessing to believe in Jesus Christ should be in any way mo- 
lested for his religion, or in the free exercise thereof. 

But wlien the parliament triumphed over the- king, they ap- 
pointed commissioners for " reducing and governing the colo- 
nies within the Bay of Chesapeake ;" and among them was 
Clayborne. After much altercation with Stone, the lieutenant 
of Baltimore, the}^ deprived him of his commission ; but after- 
wards a compromise was effected, by which he, with three of 
his council, was allowed to exercise the executive power until 
instructions should arrive from England ; and the commis- 
sioners repaired to Virginia. This state of affairs continued 
two years, when Stone, upon the dissolution of the long par- 
liament, which had appointed the commissioners, believing 
their authority extinguished, restored his old council, and, by 
a railing and foolish proclamation, declared that the colony, 
while governed as it had been, was in a state of rebellion. 
This irritated the Puritans, and recalled the commissioners 
from Virginia. They removed Stone, substituting ten persons, 
whom they authorised to administer the government. Party 
spirit was rife in the colony, the people dividing according to 
their religious sentiments. 

The next assembly was composed principally of Puritans. 
They acknowledged the authority of Cromwell, and passed an 
act which in effect denied religious freedom to all believers in 
" Popery and Prelacy." Thus were the Catholics ungratefully 



THE UNITED STATES. 127 

disfranchised in a colony they had founded, and by men whom 
they had taken to their bosom. A portion of the people re- 
fused to obey the new government ; Stone attempted to restore 
the authority of Lord Baltimore, but was taken prisoner and 
kept lonj? in confinement. Distraction and disorder continued 
to prevail until the restoration, in 1660, when Lord Balti- 
more resumed all his rights, and appointed Philip Calvert 
governor. 

At this time the colony contained about twelve thousand 
inhabitants. Under the mild and beneficent rule of the pro- 
prietor, the number rapidly increased. " Acts of compromise" 
favourable to the colonists were passed, by which the power 
of the proprietor to levy taxes wiis defined and restrained ; 
the assembly granted a custom of two shillings a hogshead on 
all tobacco exported, of which one half was to be appro- 
priated to the defence of the colony, and the other half to be 
retained by the proprietor. 

In 1G7(), ('ecil Lord Baltimore, the original proprietor, died, 
lie had well earned the title of the father of the province. For 
more than forty years, he had directed its affairs as proprietor, 
and displayed, in all his conduct, a benevolent heart and en- 
lightened understanding. Although he lived in an age of bi- 
gotry, he was liberal in his opinions ; and for all his exertions 
to contribute to the happiness of his fellow-beings, he desired 
no reward but tlieir gratitude. This reward he received. The 
records of tlie Maryland assembly contain frequent memorials 
of the respect and affection of the people. He was succeeded, 
as proprietor, by his eldest Bon, Charles, who had, for several 
years, been governor of the colony, and displayed the same 
amiable ([ualities which had rendered his father respected and 
beloved. 

But the relation of proprietor and people v/as not one which 
the inhabitants of the New \Vorld were disposed long to en- 
dure with complacency. Their pride, and the spirit of inde- 
pendence natural to men who had been bred in forests and 
among mountains, revolted at their dependent condition, and 
stifled all the jjromptiDgs of justice and duty. Protestants 
were numerous in the colony ; in the kingdom they had a de- 
cided prepouderancy ; and, wherever they were, they regarded 
Catholics wi th hatred and distrust. English prelates demanded 
that the Episcopal church should be established ; and the mi- 
nistry, yielding to the clamour which beset them on all sides, 
and not unwilling to deri\ e advantage from the proprietor's 
weakness, issued, in 1681, an order that all offices in Maryland 
should be entrusted exclusively to Protestants. Thus were the 
Catholics, a second time, disfranchised in the colony they had 
founded. 

But let us not judge too harshly the conduct of men who 



128 HISTORY OF 

livod in timos 80 difTorent from our own. The massacre of St. 
Hartholomew, and tho porsoi'utiou of Protestants in France 
and Holland, had not yet faded from the recollections of men. 
It >vas well understood that Catholics viewed Vrotestants as 
guilty apostates from the true faith; and that they did not 
consider that they t>wed any allejiiance, from which the ]H)pe 
could not release tlann, to Protestant sovereig:ns. The refusal 
of the tu'st Lord Baltimore to take the oaths of allegiance and 
supremacy in \'irgiuia, was probably still remembered. Let 
us be grateful that Catholics, as well as Protestants, have re- 
jected many i^f the errors, and forgotten the feelings, of a 
benighted age. 

In the year 1()S1), the epoch of the revolution in England, 
the repose of ISLirylaud was again disturbed. A rumour was 
artfully circulated, that the Catholics had leagued with the 
liulians io destroy all the Protestants in the province. An 
armed association was iunnediately formed, for the defence of 
the Protestant religion, and for asserting the rights of King 
AVilliam and Queen Mary. The magistrates attempted to o\)- 
pose by force this association, but, meeting with few sup- 
l>orters, were compelled to abdicate the government. 

King M'illiam directed those who he had assumed the su- 
preme authority to exercise it in his nauu^ ; and for twenty- 
seven years the crown retained the entuv control of the pro- 
vince. In 171l>, the ])roprietor M'as restored to hi« rights; 
and he and his descendants continued to eujoy them initil the 
commencement of the revolution. The people then assumed 
the government, adi>pted a constitution, and refused to admit 
the claims of Lord Baltimore to jurisdiction or property. 



CnAPTER XII. 

NOPvTII CAROLINA. 

In 1(i;U\ Charles I. granted to Sir Robert Heath all the terri- 
tory betwetm the ^>Oth and .'Uith degrees of north latitude, and 
extet\ding from the .Vtlantie Ocean to the South Sea, by the 
name of Carolina, lender this grant no settlement M'as made. 
Between KUO and U>oO, jiersons sutlering from religious in- 
tolerance in 'S'irginia tied beyond her limits, and, without 
license from any source, occupied that portion of North Caro- 
lina north of Albennirle Sound. They found the winters mild 
and the soil fertile. As their cattle and swine procured their 
own support in the woods, and multii)lied fiist, they were en- 
abled, Avith little labour, to live in the enjoyment of abun- 
dance. Their number was annually augmented ; they ac- 



^ 



TIIR UNITED STATES. I29 

knowledged no superior upon earth, and obeyed no laws but 
those of God and nature. 

In 1661, another settlement was made, near the mouth of 
Clarendon River, by adventurers from Massachusetts. The 
land beinf? sterile, and the Indians hostile, they, in 1663, 
abandoned it. Immediately afterwards, their place was sup- 
plied by emigrants from Barbadoes, who invested Sir John 
Yeomans with the authority of governor. 

Sir llobert Heath having neglected to comply with the con- 
ditions ot his patent, the king, in 166.3, granted the same ter- 
ritory to the historian and prime minister. Lord Clarendon, 
the duke of Albemarle — who, Avlien (ieneral Monk, took the 
lead in the restoration, — the I'larl of Shaftesbury, Lord Craven, 
Sir George Carteret, all eminent men, and to several asso- 
ciates, and invested them with am])le powers of government 
over those who should inhabit it. They sent out an expedi- 
tion to explore the country, and finding that the settlement at 
Albemarle was beyond their northern boundary, obtained ano- 
ther charter, which included it. To encourage emigration, 
they gave public assurances, that all who should remove to 
their territory should enjoy unrestricted religious liberty, and 
be governed by a free assembly. The settlers at Albemarle 
were, on certain conditions, allowed to retain their lands. A 
government over them was organized, at the head of which a 
Mr. Drummond was placed ; and a legislative assembly met 
there in 1667. (^f its doings nothing is known, except that it 
petitioned the proprietors that the settlers might hold their 
lands on more favourable conditions, which was granted. 

The grantees were men eminent for tlieir talents, exalted in 
station, and rendered self-conlident by their success in life : 
their pride was, perhaps, not unmixed with benevolence; and 
they sought to gratify both, and to render their fame immor- 
tal, by laying the foundation of a state which should surpass, 
in its realities, the fabled Oceana and Arcadia. Their vast, un- 
inhabited wilderness afforded a fine ojjportunity for an ex- 
periment. They applied to John Locke, whose ])olitical wri- 
tings were then much read and admired, to prepare, for their 
colony, a constitution of government. 

It divided their territory into counties, each to contain 
4^0,000 acres of land ; it created two hereditary orders of no- 
bility, landgraves and caci([ues, assigning one landgrave and 
two caciijues to each county, and reserving for the proprietors* 
one fifth, for the nobility one fifth, and for the people the re- 
maining three fiftlis of the land within it. The office and 
powers of the proprietors were to be hereditary ; they, with 
forty-two councillors, v/ere to constitute a grand council, 
over which the eldest proprietor, to be cuUod the palatine, 
F 5 



130 HISTORY OF 

■was to i)ivftide ; and this council vas to exorcise tlio sovereign 
j)Ower. 'The landgraves, the caeii|ues, one deputy of eacli 
proprietor, and dei)ulics to be chosen every two years by the 
peo})le, were io coujititute a parliament, or legislative body, 
all sitting together, and each member having one vote : this 
parliament could di'liberate and act only on bills proposed 
by the grand ct)uncil ; and the proprietors might negative 
all laws. A'arious courts were established, and many minor 
regulations ado})ted. 

This constitution was signed by the i)roprietors, in the be- 
ginning of the year IHVO. However wise it might seem to 
English jioliticians, it was by no means adapted to the senti- 
ments and habits oi' the people for whom it was prei)ared. It 
was not such a form of goxernment as they had been led to 
expect; its aristocratic features displeased them, and the 
measures adt>pted to introduce and enforce it produced gene- 
ral discontent. 

In 1()70, ^Villiam Sayle, under the direction of the proprie- 
tors, made a settlement at Tort Koyal, within the limits of 
South Carolina. Tiie next year, dissatislied with this station, 
he removed his colony northward, to a neck of land b(»tween 
Ashley and Cooper Uivers, where he laid out a town, which, 
in honour of the king then reigning, he called Charleston. 
Dyiug soon after, Sir John Yeomans, who iiad for several 
years been governor at Clarendon, was appointed to succeed 
him. This new settlement attracted at iirst many inhabitants 
from that at Clarendon, and at length entirely exhausted it. 
Being remote from Albemarle, the - proprietors established a 
sei)arate government over it ; and hence arose the distinctive 
appellations of rs'orth and South Carolina. 

The proprietors considered themselves the OAvners of the 
soil. Tiiey had exi.ended large sums in the connnrncement of 
their undertaking, and naturally expected to receive remu- 
neration, and eventually to increase their fortunes. The 
terms on which they sold their land, to those who ])aid in ad- 
vance, were, tor every thousand acres, twenty pounds, (about 
one hundred dollars,) and an annual ijuitrent of one shilling 
for every hundred acres ; and to others an annual ipiitrent of 
one penny for every acre. They supplied the settlers with 
cattle and provisions upon credit, and to be paid for in the 
products of the country. ^Vlleu the time of i):\yment arrived, 
the ability or the inclination was often wanting. Many of 
the settlers were not of a description to feel, in its full force, 
a legal or moral obligation. They had no schoolmaster, no 
clergynum, and no printing press, among them. If laws are 
an index of character, some knowledge of theirs may be gained 
from one in force before the constitution of Locke was adopted. 
Itdeclaved *' that no subject should be sued within live years 



THK UNITED STAffES. l31 

for any cauHc of action that may have ariscm out of the coucty ; 
and that no person should receive a power of attorney to col- 
lect any debt contracted out of the county." The officers 
appointed 1o collect rentn and taxcH were complained of, per- 
haps with reason, as oppresHive; and ho embitten^d became 
the' feelirii^s of the people, that but little was wanting to im- 
pel them to open insui-reciion. 

One Miller, who had become obnoxious to the pe(^ple, was 
arrested on some charj^e of misconduct, und sent to Virginia 
to be tri(;d by Sir William Berla^hty, who was a }jroj)rietor. 
1J(! was ac([uited, went 1o Kugland to seek redress, and was 
H(Mit back wiili the aj)|)()intinent of deputy of one of the pro- 
Ijrielors, and collector ol' tiie customs. It became his duty to 
enforce the actn of trade, absurdly unjust and unpoj)ular in all 
the colonies, by one of wliicii acts the comujerce of each colony 
was confined to the mother country. An illicit trallic had, for 
some time, been carried on between the people of New Eng- 
land and of N<n'th (Carolina, the former bringing " some nec(.'S- 
sarie«, many triiies, and a plentiful supply of ardent spirits," 
and exchanging tluun for tobacco, the stajjle of the colony. 
'J'his traffic the proprietors and government had endeavoured 
to suppress, not only because it was illegal, but because it 
impoverished the people; but tht^y, on their jjart, encouraged 
it. Miller was a man of violent p:!Ssions, had no disposition 
to indulge the peo[)le, perrormed hi« duty with rigour, and of 
course exasperated tlunn. 

About this ti;n(.', one (>'iilpep]j(,'r, comjx'lled to flee from 
South Carolin.'i, appeared at Albemarh;, joined tlu; disartect(.'d, 
and by noisy declainati(m increased the excitement. 'I'he New 
England trader:! joined the same party. In IG77, Caj)tain 
Gillam arrived from the north with a cargo of such goods as 
had usually been brought. He was arrested, by order of the 
president;, upon the charge of a breach of th(! revenue laws. 
The people espousing hi:i cause, assembled, seized and im- 
))risoued the president and six members of the council, of whom 
Miller was one, and assumed the control of the colony. C!ul- 
pepper, who had bi'cn the chief actor in the insurrection, di.°}- 
charged for a while the jji-olitable duty of collector. East- 
church, wlio had been aj)pointed governor, arrived soon alter, 
but tlie insurgcmts refused t,o re(;eive him. He apjjlied to 
Virginia for assistance to (piell the insurrection, but di(K] be- 
fore th(; troops could be r;>ised. The insurgents, becoming 
alarint;d, de.-fpatche 1 (>'ulpepi)er to ICugland with a promise of 
submission, and a demand for the punishment of Mill(T. liut 
MilliT a])peared there also, having, with his felIow-i)risoners, 
escaped from confm(!ment. ('ulpepper was indictt^d and tried 
for higii treason, but was accpiited upon his plea that the dis- 
turbance could only be considered a riot. 



132 HISTORY OF 

The proprietors, not Imvina: the means either to punish or 
enforce obedience, gave to one of theirnumber, Seth Sothel, who 
liad jiurchased the share of Lord Chirendon, the ajjpointment 
of povernor, and sent him to receive the submission of the ])eo- 
ph» and to restore liarmon\. No ai)))ointment conUi have been 
more unfortunate. He is represented as the most corrujjt and 
rai)acious of coh)nial povt'rnors. He plundered the innocent, 
and received bribes from fi>lons. ]*\)r six years, the inhabitants 
endured his injustice and oi)[)ression. They then seized him, 
Avith a view of sending liim to Knghind for. trial. At his re- 
quest, he was detained and tried by the assembly, who ba- 
nished him from the colony. 

His successor was Philip TiUdwell, of Virginia; and to him 
succeeded .lolm Archdale, who was a Quaker, and one of the 
proi)rietors. Both were popular governors : under their ad- 
ministration, the colony j)rospered, and the people were happ3\ 
In MVM], at the re(piest of the Carolinians, the constitution of 
Locke was abrogated by the i)roprietors, and each colony was 
afterwards ruled by a goxernor, council, and house- of repre- 
sentatives. This famous constitution left no trace behind it. 

In 1707, a company of I'^rench Trotestants arrived, and 
seated themselves on the River Trent, a branch of the Neuse. 
In 1710, a large number of Palatines, fleeing from religious 
persecution in (Germany, sought refuge in the same part of the 
jirovince. To each of these the i)ro])rietors granted one hun- 
dred acres of land. They lived hai)py, for a few years, in the 
enjoyment of liberty of conscience, and in the]n'Ospect of com- 
petence and ease. But suddenly a terrible calamity fell upon 
them. The Tuscarora and Coree Indians, smarting under re- 
cent injuries, and dreading total extinction from the encroach- 
ment of these strangers, j)lotted, with characteristic secrecy, 
their entire destruction. Sending their families to one of their 
fortified towns, tw elve hundred bowmen sallied forth, and, in 
the same night, attacked, in separate })arties, the nearest set- 
tlements of the Palatines. Men, women, and children, were 
indiscriminately butchered. The savages, with the swiftness 
and ferocity of wolves, ran from village to village. Before 
them was the repose of innocence ; behind, the sleep of death. 
A few, escajiing, alarmed the settlements more remote, and 
hastened to South Carolina for assistance. 

Governor Cravtm immediately despatched, to the aid of the 
sister colony, nearly a thousand men, under the command of 
Colonel Barnwell. After a fatiguing march through a hideous 
wilderness, they met tiie enemy, attacked, defeated, and pur- 
sued them to their fm-titied town, which Avas innnediately be- 
sieged. In a few days, peace, at their solicitation, was con- 
cluded, and Colonel Barnwell returned to South Carolina, of 
The peace was short : and, upon the recommencement of 



THE UNITED STATES^ l33 

hostilities, assiatance was again solicited from the southern 
colony. Colonel James Moore, an active young officer, was 
immediately despatched, with forty white men and eight hun- 
dred friendly Indians, lie found the enemy in a fort near 
CJotechny River. After a siege, which continued more than a 
week, tlie fort was taken and eight hundred Indians made 
prisoners. Tlie Tuscaroras, disheartened by this defeat, mi- 
grated, in 171'{, to the north, and joined the celebrated con- 
federacy denominated the l''ive Nations. The others sued for 
peace, and afterwards continued friendly. 

Until 1721J, the two Carolinas, though distinct for many 
purposes, remained under the superintendence and control of 
the same proprietors. Neither had been prosperous ; and the 
interests of the governors and governed being apparently ad- 
verse to each other the latter became discontented and refrac- 
tory. They complained to the king, who directed inr^uiry to 
be made in liis courts. The controversy was closed by an 
agreement, between the government and seven of the eight 
I)roprietors, by which the latter conveyed to the crown all 
their rights of soil and jurisdiction, and transferred to it 
the (piitrents then due, for about one hundred thousand dol- 
lars, a sum probably insufficient to remunerate them for their 
expenditures. The territory was then divided into two co- 
lonies, and each was afterwards governed by executive oflicers 
appointed by the king, and an assembly chosen by the people. 
Lord (Carteret, the otlier proprietor, surrendered his right to 
jurisdiction, but retained his right of soil, and his descendants 
have never yet parted with it. 

Soon after this event, the soil in the interior of North Caro- 
lina was found to be superior in fertility to that on the sea- 
coast. The settlements, consequently, advanced rapidly into 
the wilderness. From the northern colonies, particularly 
Pennsylvania, multitudes were allured to this region by the 
mildness of the climate, and by the facility of obtaining in 
abundance all the necessaries of life. At peace with the In- 
dians, and fortunate in her governors, the colony continued to 
prosper until the commencement of the troubles which preceded 
the revolution. 



CHAPTER XIII. 
SOUTH CAKOLINA. 

Tins colony and that of North Carolina were, as has already 
been stated, included in the same charter. In January, 1070, 
William Sayle, who had been appointed governor by the pro- 



134 HISTORY OF 

prietors, accompanied by .Tosoj)!! West, their commercial agent, 
set sail from England, conducting a small body of emigrants, 
destined to Carolina. They ti^rst landed at or near Beaufort; 
but, that j)lace not boing suita!)le for a settlement, they i)ro- 
ceeded to Ashley lliver, where, on tlie tirst high land, they 
began to erect habitations. Soon after, a convention was 
held, by which live members of the grand council were elected, 
— the proprietors having appointed the same number, — and 
twenty delegates or de})uties were chosen. Governor Sayle, 
the ten members of the grand coin»cil,aud the twenty dei)uties, 
constituted the government. 'I'his was a compliance, as near 
as was then practicable, with the constitution of iMr. Locke, 
of which some account lias been given in the history of North 
Carolina. 

The next year, Sir Jolm Yeomans arrived from Barbadoes, 
with a cargo of African slaves. It was then thought (hat 
none but negroes could endure to labour in that fervid climate ; 
and the settlers, willing to subsist ou the labour of others, did 
not care to inijuire whether the necessity of j)lanting a colony 
there was sullicient to justify holding their fellow-men in 
bondage. Others were alterwards introduced, and in a very 
few years the number of slaves considerably exceeded that of 
the free. Upon the death of Sayle, Yeomans was appointed 
governor. 

Several circumstances contributed to promote the settle- 
ment of this colony. T'he compu^st of New York induced 
many of the Dutch to resort to it. From England, Puritans 
came to avoid the profanity and licentiousness which disgraced 
the court of Charles the Second ;and Cavaliers, to retrieve their 
fortunes, exhausted by the civil wars. The arbitrary mea- 
sures of Louis XIV. drove many French Protestants into exile, 
some of whom crossed the Atlantic and settled in Carolina. 
Many of these exiles were rich ; all were industrious, and by 
their exemplary deuieanoiir gained the good \vi\\ of the pro- 
prietors. 

The situation of Charleston being found inconvenient, tlie 
inhabitants, in UiHO, removed to Oyster Point, at the conliu- 
ence of Ashley and Cooper Rivers, where a new city was 
laid out, to which the name of the other was given. In the 
same year commenced a war with the Westoes, a powerful 
tribe of Indians, which threatened great injury to the colony. 
Peace, however, was soon rest(n'i'd. In 1(580, Seth Sothel, 
one of the proprietors, having, for corrupt conduct, been driven 
from North Carolin;'>, appeared suddenly at Charleston, and 
aided by a powerful faction, assiuned the reins of government. 
Two years afterwards, he was removed from oilice. 

The proprietors, having observed the good conduct of the 
French Protestants, directed the governor to jiermit them to 



TIW UNITED STATES. 135 

elect representatives — a privilege which they had not yet en- 
joyed. The EngliHh lipiHcopalianH, from national antipathy 
and religiouH motiven, oppoHcd the concesHion with zeal. In 
their diKcuHHion of the Hubject, warmed by oppoHition, — for the 
wlioh,' peophj became excited and angry, — they iriHiHted that, 
by the lawH of England, tlje J-'rench ProtestantH were alienH; 
that they could not poHHcsH real estate in thf,* colony ; that 
their marriagen, b(;ing Holenini'/(.'d by minintf^rBnot ordained by 
bishops, wen; void; and that their chiklren could not inherit 
the ];ro])erty of their fathers. By tliis display of a spirit so il- 
liberal, these strangers were alarmed and discouraged. They 
knew not for whoni they laboured. Bnt, countenanced by the 
governor, th(!y remained in tJKi colony, and, for the present, 
withdrew their claim to th(? right of suffrage. 

Yet the ferment did not subside on the removal of the 
cause which produced it. Such was the general turbulence 
and disorder, the peoph; complaining of their rulers, and 
guarndling among themselves, that, in 100.5, .John Archdale 
was sent over, as governor (jf both Carolinas, and invested with 
full power to redn.'HS all grievances. He succeeded in restor- 
ing order, but found the antipathy against the unfortunate 
exiles too great to be (jncountered, with any hope of success, 
until softened by time and their amiable deportment. These 
produced the efll.'cta which he anticipated. In a few years, 
the French IVotcstants were admittcid, by the general assembly, 
to all the rights of citizens and frer.'men. 

Although proprietors, by the regulations which were in force 
before the constitution of Locke was adopted, and which 
were restored upon its abrogation, had stijjulated, that liberty 
of conscience should be universally enjoyed, yet one them. 
Lord Cjlranville, a bigoted churchman, and .James Moore, the 
governor, resolved to effect, if possible, the establishment, in the 
colony, of the Episcopal religion. They knew that a majority 
of the people were rliHScnters. and that by art and intrigue only 
could their design be accomplished. TIk; governor, who was 
avaricious and venal, became the tool of Granville. Ho inter- 
fered in the elections, and, by bribing the voters, succeeded in 
procuring a majority in the assembly who would be subservient 
to his wishes. 

A law was passed excluding dissenters from a seat in the 
assembly ; and a majority being thus secured, another law 
was ^ubsecjuently passed establishing the Episcopal religion. 
Both were laid before the proprietorn, without whose 
sanction they could not possess permanent validity. Archdale 
who had returned to J'^ngland, opposed their conljrmation 
with ability and spirit. lie insisted that good faith, policy, 
interest, even piety, concurred to dictate their rejection. But 



136 HISTORY OF 

Lord Granville declared himself in favour of them, and they re- 
ceived contirniation. 

The dissenters saw themselves deprived of those privileges 
for which they had abandoned their native country, and en- 
countered the dantrers and hardships of the ocean and a wil- 
derness. Some prejiared to leave the colony and settle in 
Pennsylvania, Others i)roposed that a remonstrance against 
the laws should be presented to the house of lords, and this 
measure was adojited. 'I'he lords, by vote, expressed their 
disapprobation of the law excluding dissenters from the as- 
sevnbly ; the cpieen concurred in their censure ; and that law 
was afterwards repealed ; but the I'^piscopal religion long re- 
mained the established religion of the colony, and all were 
compelled to contribute to support its ministers, 

In 1702, war then existing between England and Spain, 
Governor IMoore, thirsting lor S])anish j)lunder, led an ex- 
l)edition against St. Agustine. It Avas badly i)lanned, worse 
executed, and failed. Ketuniing from defeat abroad, he met, 
at home, the reproaches of his people. To silence these, he march- 
ed at the head of a body of troops, against the Appalachian 
Indians, who had become insolent and hostile. In this expe- 
dition he was successful, taking many prisoners, and laying 
their towns in ashes. By his victories over the savages, he 
retrieved his character ; and, by selling the prisoners as slaves, 
obtained what he most coveted — considerable personal emolu- 
ment. 

In 170(i, the Spaniards, from Florida, invaded Carolina. 
The governor, Nathanial Johnson, having received intimation 
of their approach, erected fortifications, and made arrange- 
ments to obtain, on short warning, the assistance of the 
militia. "When the enemy's tleet appeared before Charleston, 
the whole strength of the colony was summoned to defend it. 
A force so formidable insured its safety. After burning a few 
detached buildings, the enemy retired without inflicting other 
injury. One of their ships, having ninety men on board, was 
captured by the Carolinians. 

In 17 15, after several years of profound peace, an Indian war 
broke out. All the tribes, from Florida to Cape Fear, had 
been long engaged in a consjiiracy to extirpate the whites. 
In the morning of the 15th of April, the hrst blow was 
struck. At Pocataligo, and the settlements around ^Port 
Royal, ninety persons were massacred. The inhabitants of 
the latter place escaped, by embarking precipitately on 
board a vessel, which was then in harbour, and sailing directly 
to Charleston. 

This massacre Avas jierpetrated by the southern Iiidians. The 
northern, at the same time, attacked the settlements near them. 
Many of the inhabitants were killed, and many lied to Charles- 



THE UNITED STATEH. 137 

ton. At a plantation on Goone Creek, Heventy whites and 
forty faithful negroen, bein^^ protected ?jy a breawtwork, deter- 
mined to maintain their pont. On the firHt attack, tiieir cour- 
age faihjc], and they agreed to surrender. The instant they 
were in the power of the enemy, all were barbarously mur- 
dered. 

Governor Craven, at the head of twelve hundred men, 
marched against the savages. He discovered in the wilderness 
several small parties, who fled before him. At Saltcatchers, 
he found thern all assembled ; and there an obstinate and 
bloody battle was fought. The whites were victorious, driving 
the enemy before them, and comp(;lling them to leave the pro- 
vince. Most of them fled to Florida, where they were received 
in the most friendly manner by the Spaniards. 

In this short war, four hundred whites were killed, property 
of great value dtjstroyed, and a large debt contracted. Tiie 
proprietors, though earnestly solicited, refused to afford any 
relief, or to pay any portion of the debt. The assembly de- 
termined to remunerate the colony, by disposing of the land 
from which the Indians had been driven. The terms offered 
were so favourabh;, that Ave hundred Irishmen immediately 
came over, and planted tlKmiselves on the frontiers. The pro- 
prietors, refusing to sanction the proceedings of the assembly, 
deprived these emigrants of their lands. Some, reduced to 
extreme poverty, perished from want; others resorted to the 
northern colonies. A strong barrier between the old settle- 
ments and the savages was thus removed, and the country 
again exposed to their incursiona. The people were exasper- 
ated, and longed for a change of masters. 

The corrupt and opj)resHive conduct of Trott, the chief jus- 
tice, and Rhett, the receiver-general, increased the discontent. 
Of the former, the governor and council complained to the 
proprietors, and solicited his recall. Instead of removing him, 
they thanked him for his services, and removed those niembers 
of the council who had been most active against him. The 
patience of the people was exhausted, and they waited only 
for a favourable opportunity to throw off their oppressive yoke. 
In 171*-', at a general review of the militia at Charleston, 
occasioned by a threatened invasion of the colony from Florida, 
the officers and soldiers bound themselves, by a solemn com- 
pact, to support each other in resisting the tyranny of the pro- 
prietors ; and the assembly, which was then in session, re- 
([uested the governor, by a respectful address, to consent to 
administer the government in the name of the king. 

He refused, and, by proclamation, dissolved the assembly. 
The members immediately met as a convention, and elected 
Colonel James Moore their governor. He was a bold man, and 
exceedingly well qualified for a popular leader in a turbulent 



138 HISTORY OF 

seasou. He accepted the appointment, and, assisted by the 
convention, and supported by the people, administered the af- 
fairs of the colony. 

The conduct of the pro})rietors and people was brougfht be- 
fore his majesty in council. After a lull hearinsr, it was de- 
cided, that both colonies should be taken under tlie i>rotection 
of the crown. ^Several years afterwards, seven of the i)ro- 
prietors sold to the knic: their claim to the soil and rents, and 
all assig-ned to him their right of jurisdiction. The govern- 
ment was subse(piently administered by executive otlicers ap- 
pointed by the crown, and by assemblies chosen by the people ; 
and under their control the colony prospered. 

In 173S occurred an alarming insurrection of the negroes. 
A number of them assembled at Stono, surprised and killed 
two men who had charge of a warehouse, from which they 
took guns and ammunition. They then chose a ca})tain, and, 
with drums beating and colours Hying, marched south-west- 
ward. They burned e\ery house on their way, killed all the 
whites they could tind, and compelled other negroes to join 
them. 

Ciovenior lUill, who Nvas returning to (liarlestou from the 
southward, accidentally met them, hastened out of their way, 
and spread an alarm. The news soon reached Mil town, 
where, fortunately, a large congregation were attending di- 
vine service. Tlie men ha^ ing, according to a law of the pro- 
vince, brought their arms to the place of worship, marched 
instantly in quest of the negroes, who, by this time, had be- 
come formidable, and sjiread terror and desolation around 
them. 

"While, in an open tield, they were carousing and dancing, 
with frantic exultation at their late success, they were sud- 
denly attacked by the whites. Some were killed; the re- 
mainder tied. INlost of the fugitives were taken and tried. 
They who had been compelled to join the cons})irators, were 
pardoned; but all the leaders and tirst insurgents suftered 
death. About twenty whites were murdered. 

From this period until the era of the revolution, no impor- 
tant event occurred in the colony. It was sometimes dis- 
tressed by Indian wars: but the number of inliabitants and 
the means of subsistence and comfort were constantly in- 
creasing. Emigrants came principally from the northern 
colonies ; but often large bodies of Protestants arrived from 
Europe: in one year, 17.'>2, the number who came exceeded 
sixteen iunidred. 



TJIK UNITED STATES. 139 

CHAPTER XIV. 

GEORGIA. 

IIpox the Houthern part of the territory included in the 
Caroline charter no eettlernent wan made until Heveral years 
after that charter was forfeited. In .June, 17.'^2, neveral bene- 
volent gentlemen, in England, concerted a project for planting 
a colony in that unoccupied' region. Their principal object 
waH to relieve, by transporting thither, the indigent Hubjectfl 
of Creat Britain; but thfir plan of benevolence embraced also 
the persecuted Protestants of all nations. 

To a project springing from motives so noble and disin- 
terested, the ]jeop!e and the government extended their en- 
couragement and patronage. A patent was granted by the 
king, conveying to twenty-one trustees the territory now 
constituting the state of Geougia, which was to be appor- 
tioned gratuitously among the settlers; and liberal donations 
were made by the charitable, to defray the exjjense of trans- 
porting them across the Atlantic, and of providing for their 
support the iirst season. 

The concerns of the colony were managed by the tnistees, 
who freely devoted much of their time to the undertaking. 
Among other regulations, they provided that the land should 
not be sold nor devised by the owners, but should descend to 
the male children only ; they forbade the use of rum in the 
colony, and strictly prohibited the importation of negroes. 
Put none of these regulations remained long in force. 

In i\ovemb(;r, 1732, one hundred and thirteen emigrants 
embarked for (ieorgia, at the head of whom the trustees had 
placed .James Oglethorpe, a zealous and active promoter of 
this scheme of benevolence. In .January, they arrived at 
Charleston ; and the Carolinians, sensible of the advantage of 
having a barrier between them and the Indians, gave the ad- 
venturers a cordial welcome. 'J'hey supplied them with pro- 
visions and with boats to convey them to the place of their 
destination. Yamacraw Pluff, since called Savannah, was 
selected as the most eligible place for a settlement. 

The next year, five or six hundred poor persons arrived, 
and to each a jjortion of the wilderness was assigned. But it 
was soon found that these emigrants, who were the refuse of 
cities, had been rendered poor by idleness, and irresolute by 
poverty, were not fitted to fell the mighty groves of Georgia. 
A race more hardy and enterprising was necessary. The 
tnistees, therefore, offered to receive, also, such as had not, by 
p'^rsecution or poverty, been rendered objects of compassion, 



HO nisrouv dk 

and io grant to all, mIio should sottlo in tho colony, fifty acros 
of land. In oousonuonoi^ ot" this olVor, nioiv than four hundrod 
})orsous from (uMMnauy. Scotland, and S>vit/.orlaud, arrived in 
tho year ITMk 'I'lio (uMuians si>ttU'd at lU)ono/.or, tho Scotch 
ut Now lnvornC5<s. noNV Paricu. 

In 17;U?, John Mcslcy, a celebrated ^lethodist, made a visit 
to (>ei)ri{ia, for tlie purpose o\' ureachinjf to tho colonists, and 
converting tlie Indians, lie was then young atid ardent: the 
people around him telt less ardour than himself, and his pious 
zeal soon brought him mto collision with some of the principal 
settlers. He was accused ol' diverting the people from their 
labour to attend his religious meetings, and of exercising un- 
warranted ecclesiastical authority. IVrsecuted by his ene- 
mies, and tlnding he could render no further service to tlu* 
cause of religion in the colony, he returned to V'ngland, ami 
there, for many years, jnirsued a mingled career o( piety and 
usefulness. 

Two years afterwards, (Jeorge \V hit held, another and more 
celebrated Mctlunlist, arrived in tho colony, lie had already 
made himself conspicuous in F.ugland by his numeri>us eccen- 
tricities, his ardtMit pic^ty, his extraordinary elotpumce, his zeal 
and activity in projiagatiug his t>\>inions. He came to (Georgia 
for the benevolent inirpose of establishing an or[)hau house, 
where jioor children might be fed, cloth.ed, and educated in the 
kno>\"ledge of Thristianity. In prosecution of this purpose, he 
often crossed the Atlantic, and traversed (Jreat Ih'itain and 
America, soliciting aid from the pious and charitable. NVhere- 
ever he went, he preached, with sincerity and fervour, his pe- 
culiar doctrines, making proselytes of most who heard him, 
and founding a sect which has since become numerous and 
respectable. His orphan house, during his life, dul not nou- 
rish, and, after his death, was entirely abandoned. 

In 1740, the trustees rendered an account of their adminis- 
tration. At that tiuu\two thousand four hundred and ninety- 
eight emigrants had arrived at the colony. Oi' these, lifteen 
lunulred and twenty-one were indigent Englishmen, or luuse- 
cuttni Trotestants. The benefactions, from governnumt and 
from individuals, had been nearly half a million ot' dollars ; 
and it was computed that, for every person transported and 
nuiintained by the trustees, more than three hundred dollars 
had been expended. 

The hope M'hich the trustees had cherished, that the colony, 
planted at such vast exiHMise, would be prosperous, and the 
objects of their benevolence happy, was completely disap- 
pointed. Such was the character of the greater ]iart of the 
settlers, and such the restrictions im])Osed, that tlu^ planta- 
tions languished, andcoutimied to require the coutributious of 
the charitable. 



TUE UNITED HTATEH. ]41 

War having beori declan^fl agairiMt Spain, Mr. r>>glfethor];je was 
prornotff] to t[i(j rank of jroiif^ral in thf; firitiwh army, and, at 
tlir* \\c'i(\ of two tliouHJind rfi<:n, partly from Virginia and thf; 
fy'arolinaH, undertook an ox[j(;ditiou againnt J lorida. Iff; took 
two Spaninl) fortH, and \)CHUif^(t(\ St. A'jguHtino ; hut, oncoun- 
t(.'rinj< an obHtinato roHiHtancf*, waHConip<;lh.'d to rL-tum unwuc- 
C(;«Hfiil to fioorgia. 

'i'vvo yoarH art<'rwardH, tho SpaniardH, in retaliation, pre- 
pared to invade fi(;orgia; and they intfjnded, if HuceeH^ful 
tliere, to Hubjugate thr; CarolinaH and Virginia. On receiving 
information of their approach, G(?neral (jglethorpe Holicited 
aHHiHtance from South Taroiina. lint the inhahitantH of that 
colony, entf-rtaining a ntrong prejudice against Inin, in conn-e- 
qiK.'nce of hiH late de-feat, and terrified ?jy the dangf;r which 
tl)reat(;ned themwelveH, detennined to provide only for their 
own Hafety. 

.M<'anwhile General Oglethorpe made preparationH for a vi- 
gorouH defence. He aHHembled Heven Inindrf-d men, excluHive 
of a body of Indians, lixed hin liead-rjuarterM at I'rederica, on 
the Inland of St. Simon, and, with thiw hmall band, determined 
to encounter whatever force migiit be brought against him. — 
It waH liiH utmost hope that he might be able to rewint the 
en(!my until a rt-inforcement should arrive from Carolina, 
which hr; daily and anxiously f-xjjecfed. 

On the last of June, the Spanish fleet, cori«i8ting of thirty- 
two sail, and having on board more than three thousand men, 
came to anclior off St. Simon's bar. Notwithstanding all the 
resistance which Gfmeral Oglethorpe could oppose, they sailed 
up the river Alatamaha, landed upon the island, and there 
erectf;d fortifications. 

Gf.neral Oglethorpe, convinced that his small force, if di- 
vided, must be entirely inefficient, assembled the whole of it 
at Fr(;derica. One portion of it he employed in strengthening 
his fortifications : the Highlanders and Indians, ranging night 
and day through the woods, often attacked the outposts of the 
enemy. The toil of the troops was incessant; and the long 
d(.'lay of the expect(;d succours, so cruelly withhr-ld by South 
Carolina, caused the most gloomy and depressing aj)prehen- 
sions. 

Learning that the {Spanish anriy occupied two distinct posi- 
tions, Cjglothorpe conceived the project of attacking one by 
surjjrine. He selected the bravest of his little army, and in 
the night marclied, entirely unobserved, to within two miles 
of the camp which he intended to assail. Directing his 
troops to halt, he advanced, at the head of a small body, to 
reconnoitre the enemy. While thus employed, a i-'rench soldier 
of his party, firing his musket, deserted to the Spaniards. — 
Discovery destroying all hope of success, the general imme- 



Hi 



HISTORY OF 



diately returned to Frederica. He was not only chagrined at 
this occurrence, Imt apprehended instant danger from the dis- 
closure which the deserter would doubtless make of his weak- 
ness. 

In this embarrassment, he devised an ex[)edient which Avas 
attended with the most ha]ipy success. lie wrote a letter to 
the deserter, desiring him to ac(\uaint the Spaniards with the 
defenceless state of Frederica; to urge them to attack the 
place, and, if he could not succeed, to persuade them to re- 
main three days longer on the island ; for, within that time, 
according to late advices from Carolina, he should receive a 
reinforcement of two thousand men and six ships oi' war.-^ 
He cautioned him against droj)ping any hint of the attack me- 
ditated, by Admiral A'ernon, upon St. Augustine, and assured 
him that the reward for his services should be am])le. 

For a small bribe, a soldier who had been made a i)risoner 
in one of the numerous skirmishes, engaged to deliver this 
letter to the deserter, and was then set at liberty. As was 
foreseen, he carried it directly to the Spanish general, who im- 
mediately suspected the deserter to be a spy from the English 
camp, and ordered him to be put in irons. But although his 
suspicious were awakened, he was yet uncertain whether the 
whole might not be a stratagem of his antagonist . 

While hesitating what to believe, three small vessels of war 
appeared oft* the coast. Supposing they brought the reinforce- 
ments alluded to in the letter to the deserter, he hesitated no 
longer, but dt'termined to make a vigorous attack upon the 
English, before these reinforcements could arrive and be 
brought into action. (Jeneral Oglethorpe, by mere accident, 
obtained information of their design. A small party was in- 
stantly placed in ambuscade; the Spaniards adxanced near 
them, halted to rest, and laid aside their arms. A sudden and 
well-directed fire, killing many, threw the enemy into confu- 
sion. After a few more discharges, they fled to their fortitica- 
tious, which they demolished, and, hastily embarking, made 
every possible effort to escai)e from the reinforcements that 
were supposed to be approaching. 

Thus was Georgia, with trifling loss, delivered from the most 
imminent danger. General Oglethorpe not only retrieved, but 
exalted his rejnitatiou. From the Carolinians, grateful for their 
preservation, and from the governors of most of the northern 
colonies, he received cordial congratulations upon his address 
and good fortune. And so mortified were the Spaniards at the 
result of the expedition, that the commander, on his return, 
was arrested, tried, and cashiered for misconduct. 

But the prosperity of the colony Avas retarded by these dis- 
turbances. For ten years [longer, it remained under the ma- 
nagement of the trustees; who, embarrassing it by too much 



tHI UNITED 8TAtEH. 143 

regulation, discouraged the emigrants and checked it» growth. 
At length, disappointed in their hopOH, and wearied by com- 
plaintH, tli'jy Hurrendered tlieir charter to tlie crown ; and, in 
\lf)4, a royal. f<oveninieut wuh estahliHlied over the cc^jony. 

Nrjw regulationH ?jeing adopted, (Georgia began to Hourish. 
AnioiJg her governors, JarncH Wright deHcrven honourable 
Tioti(;(! for his Avindoni in dJHcerning, and hin zeal in purf<uing, 
h(!r triK! iTitercHtH. The cultivation of rice and indigo was 
prosecuted with augmented induKtry, skill, and profit; and in 
every succeeding ye-ar, an increas(!d amount of thene staple 
commodities was exported to llu; mother country. 'I'he Flo- 
rida Indians were sometimes troublesome, but were as often 
chastised, and comjx'lled to auv, for jieace. 



CHAP'J'ER XV. 

GENERAL T O IM C S . 

The incidents which attended th(j first Hr'ttlemont of the origi- 
nal 'riiiKTiiKN Colonies, and the most important events 
which occurred in each, until nearly a century and a half had 
elajjsed after tlu; landing of Smith at Jamestown, have been 
gathered and recorded. 'I'hey have struggled through the 
pcirils which beset them in infancy; they have gained courage 
and self-confidence amid sanguinary conflicts and terrible 
Kufflarings ; have acquired wisdom from the teachings of varied 
and stern experience ; have matured th(!ir civil institutions, 
and, in their struggles with maternal authority, have lost few 
of their prrivileges, and forgotten none that they have lost. 

Two leading motivcH, the most powerful, doubtless, of all 
motives in their operation on men in masses, impelled the 
people of the ()]d World to pour themselves upon the New — 
the love of wealth and the desire of religious freedom. The 
former gave existi-nce to the colonies of Virginia, the Caroli- 
nas. New York, and New IIamj)shire ; the latter to those of 
Massachusetts, Connecticut, lUiode Island, Pennsylvania, and 
Maryland. In their progress during infancy, both motives 
aided to swell the population of all; but probably more, in 
the whole, came over impelled by religious than by worldly 
motives. But few were induced to emigrate by the love of 
political, disconnected with religious, freedom. That passion 
had its growth, if not its birth, in the New World. To what- 
ever rank the emigrants might have belonged at home, here 
they could not remain long togetiier without perceiving the 
folly of hereditary distinctions, nor without discovering that 
all, who were equal in mind and muscle, were equally useful 



lit HISTORY OF 

in their yoiiug communities. Insensibly freedom became to 
thtMU like the air they bivnthed. They thouirht woi of it until 
they felt the strange sensation of some foreiirn restraint upon 
their aetious and pursuits. 

The en\igrants were o( ditVerent classes as ^vell as of ditVer- 
ent nations. New Kugland was settled prineipally from C)ld 
Kngland. In that country, the Norman and Saxon races \vere 
never completely amalgamated. In the Cavaliers the Nonnan, 
in the Turitans the Saxon, blood prevailed; and New Kngland 
was settled by the Turitans. lu those colonies again appeared 
the Auglo-Saxon cou\plexion, tenures, and dialect, with less 
admixture than had existed elsewhere (or centuries. Habits 
of serious, devout contemplation, and o[' profound thoug:ht ; a 
slight proneness to superstition ; a willingness to labour; for- 
titude to endure; and fn-mness, and even obstinacy, of pur- 
pose, — distinguished the settlers of that region, and perhaps 
also those of New Jersey and IVnusylvania. 

lu the eu\igrants to Virginia, the Can>linas, and Maryland, 
the Anglo-Norman blood prevailed. The grantees of those 
c«>hnnes v.ere principally high in rank, noble by title, an'.i tol- 
lowers of the court. Thither tUicked Cavaliers at all times, 
and especially when Turitanism bore sway at home; they 
brought thither feudal tenures, and the law of primogeniture; 
there they established the religion of the court, and there they 
found or introduced th»^ same kind of society as that to which 
they had been accustomed at luune ; they foritied a landed aris- 
tocracy, could live without labour, conmumd obseipiious ser- 
vants and slaves, enjoy the royal sport oi' hunting-, and again 
act the parts o( the Nornuui nobles under the early successors 
of \Villiam the Conqueror. 

At this time Ireland had not begun to overtlow upon Ame- 
rica. Scotland sent souu^ of her worthiest children, and every 
colony welcouu\i all who cauu\ I'rom Holland and tJermany 
migrated families and associated coujpanies, and the states of 
New York and IVnusylvania bear w itness to their skill and 
success in agriculture, to their industry, economy, and thrift. 
The bigoted l.ouis, misnaniod the Cueat, drove thousands of 
V'reuch Protestants into exile ; the best oi' them came to Ame- 
rica ; their descendants have illustrated the annals of C'arolina ; 
and Jay, l>oudinot, and Howdoin, li.ive, by their services and 
muniticence, well rewarded the northern colonies for the pro- 
tection atVorded to their ancestors. 

For oue trait oi' character, and that w l.ich is e^ en now most 
conspicuous, all the emigrants uuist have been distinguished. 
. The mere fact of their leaving the abodes of civili/ation and 
crossing the ocean to throw themselves into an untried state 
of existence, which they knew was beset with perils, proves 
that they >Yere animated by the spirit of enterprise. The 



THK VNlTV.l) HTATKH. 145 

blood did not move i'cfAAy in Ihr; veinH of tfiOHO who left; tho 
(J)d for tli<* N»!W World, wlicffluT thoy camo to add to Ihoir 
W<!alUi, to worHlii[) <i<)(] in llicir own way, to proy ufjon tli<,'ir 
own H[jr;(:i<'H, to hunt in m:ijrijilic<;nt fon;HtH, or to HL'frk roman- 
tic adv<'ri<ijn'H whcnt all wan n<;w and wild, and wond<frfij|. 
()f the tinnd, i.\ut idh;, tin; la/y, and tli<; HJckly, non<; <;ani<; to 
Am(;ri(;a ; or, if tlioy carn«;, tlioy Hoon dinapp'janfd fronj among 
her population. Tin; fathorw and motlierH ofour pfjojjle were 
of Mtrong muHcl''H and Htout hcartB, and their immediate de- 
HcendantH wen; mad(; hardier, holder, and more active, hy the 
lahourH and pfriln amonj< which lliey went reared. 

'J'he IndiariH ofeoiirHf recerled, the wild heantH fled, and the 
tr(M!M of th(; foH'HtH f(;ll, hefore them. 'Jhe virgin farth yielded 
itn inereaH(,', (;ven a hundred fold; lofty pineH fhjated down 
th(? riverH and acroHH the ocean to a market; the beaver 
parted with itH beautiful fur; and the «ea ^ave u[j itn myriadH 
of finh. The {jortn fjf Kiiro[>eH, of fhe W(,'Ht Indi(;H, and of 
South America, witn<'HHed tin; arrival of Hhi[jK frei(^lit<;d with 
th<; c<>mnjoditir'H of the Knglinh colonicjH,— of which the Indian 
weed waH mont coveted abroad, -and the dcf>arture of HhipH 
carrying/ to them the manufacturcH of the Old World; or t\i(i 
tropical productioriH of the .\'(;w. 

JOnfflarifJ, [jrompted by commercial avarice, dr;termined to 
cawt h<,'r net over thin arrowing cornm(;rce,and draw it all into 
her own ports*, liy H(;veral HtatutcH, Hucc<!HHi vely enacted, and 
fre<]uently referred to in our colonial hintory an the ActH of 
Trade, th(j firnt of which wan paHHed in the year lObO, all 
for(;ignerH w(;re [uohibited from imyjortin^^ rn<;rc;handiHe into 
the coIonif.'H ; the ex[>ortation of certain " enumerated commo- 
diticH," the [jroduce of the* colonien, waH confined to countri<fH 
b(!longing to the l5ritiHh crown ; the exfjorlation of commo- 
dities not enijmerat(;d waH confined to the Kame- countrifH or 
tf> portH Houth of f'ap(5 J'iniHterre; no commodity could be im- 
jjorted into the coloriieH except in JOngliHh HhipH and from 
KngliHli ports; and duties were required to be paid on com- 
modities exjjorted from one colony to anoth(;r. 'Ihe naviga- 
tion act, jjassed in IfJ.oO, had prohibit(;d foreign vcHnels from 
bringing any commodities to I>ngland except such as were 
thf! produce of the country to which the vessel belonged. 

'I'herefore, though the JJutch might be willing, as they ac- 
tually w(;re, to carry commodities to and from the folonif-sfor 
less frf;ight than thr; Knglish, y^'.t they were not jjormittcd to 
do it; and however high might be the price of the cnujnf-raffd 
commoditi'H, of which tobacco wjis one, in tlu' markf-ts of 
Kurope, still the colonists could sell them only in Kngland ; 
and however low might b(; the price, in liiiroi)ean markfts, of 
«uch articles as the colonists were obligc-d to procure from 



146 HISTORY OF 

abroad, for their own consumption, still tlu\v could purolia 
thorn only of English niorchanta. To oonsidor and trout her 
colonies only as the means of enriching- tlu» mother country, 
■was the policy of llngland, as well asofmtM-y other Huropeau 
nation. 

These acts oi' trade were odious in all the colonies, but most 
fio in New Kngland ; for more other inhabitants were engaged 
in navigation, and they were indignant at being restrained 
from visiting those markets where (hey could st»ll at the 
highest and buy at the lowest prices. In most of Ihe colonies 
they were considbMvd violations of their charters ; in iMassachu- 
setts, for a tinu% they were entirely disregarded; elsewhere 
they were often violated ; and the perjietual conflicts between 
those who were connnissicmed to enforce them and thosi^ who 
chose to break them, sustained, as the latter were, by nearly 
the whole jieople, spread far and wide the seeds of disatfection, 
and caused the colonists to regard Kngland rather as the 
partial opjiressor than as the benignant jiarent. 

About the year UiT-s the English merchants and manufac- 
tuivrs complained to the kiug that the inhabitants of New 
England, disregarding these acts, freely traded to all parts of 
Europe. An act was immediately passed recpiiring the go- 
vernors of all the colonies to take an oath to cause them to be 
enforced ; more custom-house oflicers were ap]>ointed ; and 
his majesty's cruisers were instructed to seize and bring in of- 
fenders. 

As the wealth and poimlation of the colonies increased, their 
im])ortance to the nation became more ap\)arent, and the 
management of them more laborious and dillicult. In U>9(>, 
a " Board of Trade and Tlantations" Mas established, toM'hich 
all correspondence with the colonies was committed ; and it 
was specially directed to inquire, not how their prosperity 
could be promoted, but *' how they might be rendered most 
beneticial to the kingdom." To attain this object, other laws, 
restricting their trade, were passed, and other articles Avere 
added to the list of enumerated commodities, which could be 
exported only to English markets. 

New England carried on a proli table trade with the French, 
Spanish, and Dutch islands in the West Indies, supplying them 
with tish, lumber, and grain, and receiving in exchange rum, 
sugar, aud molasses. The planters in the British islands com- 
plained. Immediately England, with the view of compelling 
her continental to trade wholly with her insular colonies, laid 
a duty, so heavy as. if not evaded, to amount to a prohibition, 
on rum, sugar, and molasses, imported into the plantations 
Irom foreign colonies. This, in ettect, deprived New England 
of a market for a portion of lier tish, lumber, and grain. 

In 1781, the Board of Trade and Tlantations reported to 



tup; i;nitki> teXATKH. 147 

parliament that, among fhc munuractun's carri"(l on in the. 
colonif.'H injurioiJH to tli(,' intfrchstH of the parf;nt country, were 
thoHO of wool and ilax, iron, puiKT, liata, and leather. Upon 
the fTelition of the London hatterw, an act was paHHcd pro- 
hibiting the exportation of liatH from the colonies to foreign 
portH, and even from onr; colony 1o anofh(,'r; and, that not be- 
ing Hatisfacfory, it waH made unlawful for any perHon in the 
colonicH, who had not Herved an apprenticeyhip ot weven yearK, 
to make hats, and for any hatter to have more than one ap- 
prentice; at a time, and for any negro to work at the bu.sineHH. 
'I'he manufacturerH of iron were also gratified with an act 
prohibiting the making of steel, and the erection or continu- 
ance of any slitting or rolling mill, or plating forge, in the 
colonies, declaring all such mills and forgr-s to be nuiwances, 
and making it the duty of tiie goveniors to abate them or for- 
feit five hundred pounds. These are given but as samples of 
the; restraints imiMHad, by the mother country, upon colonial 
industry. 

No accurate statemc^nt can be given of the amount or value 
of th(; trade of thfj colonies previous to the revolution. Much 
of it was carrif'd on contrary to law, and of this the custom- 
hoiis(? bo(;ks give no account. Tiieir commerce with Great 
Ijritain and Ireland was doubtless most valuable; then that 
with the West Indies; then that with the south of Europe; 
and next that with the Hpaninh colonies of South America. 
The latter was prohibited by Spanish as well as P^iglish laws, 
but, in proportion to its anjount, was most profitable. The 
chief articles of export were tobacco, bread. Hour, wheat, and 
corn ; of these the value was grc-ater t})an that of all the other 
articles ; then followed (the order in which they are placed in- 
dicating their relative importance) fish, rice, lumber, indigo, 
furs, whale oil, iron, beef and pork, pot and pearl ashes, 
horses, deer skins, Ilax seed, New England rum, ike. ike. The 
total value of all articles exported, in 17r>0, could not have 
been less than ten millions of dollars. 

The number of inhabitants can be given only from estimates 
mad(; by conte^jporary writers, or by the several governors in 
their answ(;rs to (paeries transmitted to them by the lords of 
trade and plantations. An estimate; for 1749 states the whole 
number, ineliiding slaves, at 1,010,000, thus apportioned to 
the several colonies: — 

New Hampshire, 30,000 

Massachusetts, 220,000 

Rhode Island, .3.0,000 

Connecticut, 1 00,000 

New York, 100,000 

Jerseys^ 00,000 



148 tilSTORY 0^ 

Pennsylvania and Delaware, 250,000 

Maryland, 85,000 

\'irgiuia, 85,000 

North Carolina, 45,000 

South Carolina, 30,000 

Georgia, 6,000 

Thus these young communities, which, but a short time ago, 
were struggling into existence, have, like young pines planted 
in their chosen soil, become lirnily rooted and sent forth 
vigorous shoots. The people have begun to feel their strength, 
to know their rights, and to jierceive the utter selfishness of 
their hereditary rulers. The great tide of modern events has 
begun its perceptible How. Henceforth it will move on, re- 
sistless, increasing in volume and force, receiving no new im- 
pulse, developing no new principle, and attbrding to the pro- 
found searcher after the causes of events, the philosophical his- 
torian, no opportunity to disjilay his sagacity except in 
divining and declaring the laws Avhich direct the course, 
sometimes straight forward and sometimes in mazes, of the 
individual objects which are borne on its surface, and float at 
its mercy. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

FKENCH WAll OF 1756-63. 

The settlements of the French in North America had sensibly 
impeded the growth and prosperity of the English colonies. 
That people more readily assimilated witii the Indians ; they 
felt less horror of their religious rites ; they had too nmcli 
worldly wisdom to neglect the means of conciliating their 
friendship, or of intlaming their animosity against their own 
hereditary rivals. "Whenever the two nations were at war, 
the frontiers of the English colonies were sui^ to be cruelly 
afflicted by the incursions of the interior Indians ; and those 
who suffered never doubted by whose instigations the cruel- 
ties were perpetrated. 

The treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, concluded in 1748, between 
England and France, was followed by peace between the 
colonists and the Indians. At this time, the English settle- 
ments had not advanced far into the wilderness, but extended 
along the coast from Newfoundland to Florida. At the north, 
the French had settlements at Cape Breton, Quebec, and 
Montreal; and they had forts or ti*ading-houses at Crown 
Point, on Lake Champlain; at the outlet of Lake Ontario, 



" THE UNITED STATES. 149 

on the Canada 8hore; at the Falls of Niagara; and at 
Michilirnackinac. At the Houth they had planted New- 
Orleans, and had establiHhed ports and trading-houses at 
several places above, on the Mississippi; in lOHO, they built 
Fort Creveca;ur, on the River Illinois; and at various other 
places in the west<!rn country, they had established jjosts and 
trading-houses. The whole number of their colonists in 
America was estimated at fifty-two thousand. 

The lUver Mississippi was discovered by the French ; at 
first, in lG7'i, near its source, by travellers from Quebec; 
afterwards by La Salle, at its mouth. Upon this discovery 
they founded their claim to the fertile and delightful valley 
through which it runs, from its mouth to the sources of ita 
tributary streams. As some of these approach near to the 
great lakes, tliey formed the project of connecting their 
northern and southern settlements by a chain of posts ex- 
ttinding from Lake Ontario to the CJhio, and down that river 
and the Mississippi to New Orleans, thus placing a barrier 
to the extension of the English settlements beyond the Al- 
leghany Mountains. 

While they were intent upon this project, a company of 
Englishmen, some residing in London and some in Virginia, 
having obtained from the king a grant of six thousand acres of 
land on the Ohio, established trading-houses on the banks of 
that river. The French, considering this an encroachment upon 
their territory, seized some of the traders and conveyed them 
to Canada. As the land had been granted as a part of Vir- 
ginia, the company complained to the governor of that colony, 
who determined to send a messenger to the commander of 
the French forces in the disputed territory, and require him to 
withdraw his troops. For this mission he selected George 
Washington, who was then, though but twenty-one years of 
age, a major in the militia, and who afterwards became 
illustrious in the aimals of his country. 

This was in the year 1753. Washington began his journey 
from Williamsburgh on the .31st of October; on the 14th of 
November, he arrived at Wills's Creek, now Cumberland, 
which was then the frontier post of the English ; and on the 
22d of December, he arrived at the French head-(j[uarters, on 
a fork of I'rench Creek, in the north-west [mrt of Pennsyl- 
vania, and delivered the governor's letter. He returned with 
the answer from the French commander, that he had taken 
possession of the country by order of the goveraor of Canada, 
to whom he should send the letter he had received, and whose 
future orders he should implicitly obey. 

This reply not being satisfactory to the governor of Virginia, 
he directed preparations to be made to maintain, by force, the 
rights of the British crown. Troops, constituting a regiment, 



150 HISTORY OF 

were raised, the commancl of whom, on the death of the 
colonel tirst appointed, devolved on "Washington, who had 
been promoted to the oflice of lieutenant-colonel. At the 
head of about tour hundred men, he advanced, early in 1754, 
into the territory in dispute. On his route, he met, attacked, 
and defeated, a French party, who approached him in a man- 
ner indicating hostile intentions. He proceeded towards 
Fort Da Quesne, then recently erected at the junction of the 
Alleghany and Monongahela Rivers, on the spotnoAV occupied 
by Pittsburgh. From this fort, De Villier, at the head of nine 
hundred men, marched out to attack him. 

Heaving of the approach of this party, Colonel Washington 
halted and hastily erected, at the Little Meadows, some im- 
perfect v.-orks, which he called Fort Necessity, by which means 
he hoped to prolong his defence until the arrival of reinforce- 
ments. He was closely besieged by De Mllier, but, making a 
resolute defence, was offered the most honourable terms of 
capitulation, Avhich he accepted, and returned with his troops 
to Virginia. 

In this year, delegates from seven of the colonies met at 
Albany, for the purpose of holding a conference with the Six 
Nations of Indians, and securing their friendship. This busi- 
ness being finished, a confederation of the colonies was pro- 
posed, by the delegates from Massachusetts. A " Plan of 
Union," drawn up by Benjamin Franklin, who was present as 
a delegate from Pennsylvania, was, on the fourth day of July, 
agreed upon, to be submitted to the colonial legislatures and 
to parliament for their adoption. 

This plan provided that delegates io a general council 
should be chosen, by the representatives of the people, in the 
colonial assemblies, none choosii:^ more than seven nor less 
than two ; and that a president-general should be appointed 
by the crown. The counsel was to possess the power to ap- 
point officers, to declare Avar and make peace with the Indians, 
and to concert all measures for the common protection and 
safety. The president-general was to have a negative upon 
the proceedings of the delegates ; and the king might abrogate 
all laws within three years after their enactment. The plan 
was rejected by parliament, because the delegates were to be 
chosen by the representatives of the people. It was rejected 
by the colonies, because it placed too much power in the hands 
of the king. In England, apprehensions were already enter- 
tained of the growing importance of the colonial assemblies. 
In America, the people began, perhaps unconsciously, to be 
actuated by the spirit of independence. 

The conduct of the French, on the Ohio, convinced the ca- 
binet of London that their claim to the country through which 
that river tiows must be relinciuished, or maintained by the 



THE UNITED STATES. 1-M 

Hword. They did not heHitate which alternative to choose. 
Early in the spring of 1 loo, they dewpatched General Braddock 
to America, with a respectable force, to expel the Irench, and 
keep pOHHCSsion of the territory. And preparations liavinj? 
been made by t'rance to dewpatch a reinforcement to her 
armies in Canada, Admiral BoHcawen was ordered to endea- 
vour to intercept the French fleet before it should enter the 
Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

In April, General Braddock met the governors of the several 
provinces, to confer upon the plan of the ensuing campaign. 
Three expeditions were resolved upon — one againstDuQuesne, 
to be commanded by General Braddock ; one against Forts 
Niagara and Frontinat;, to be commanded by Governor Shirley ; 
and one against Crown Point, to be commanded by General 
Johnson. Tiiis last originated with Massachusetts, and v/as 
to be executed by colonial troops, raised in New England and 
New York. 

While preparations were making for these expeditions, ano- 
ther, which had been previously concerted, was carried 
on against the French forces in Nova Scotia. This pro- 
vince was settled by the French, but was ceded to the Eng- 
lish by the {;reaty of Utrecht. Its boundaries not having been 
defined, the French continued to occupy a portion of the terri- 
tory claimed by the English, and had built f^rts for their de- 
fence. To gain possession of these was the object of the ex- 
pedition. 

About two thousand militia, commanded by Colonel Winslow, 
embarked at Boiston, and, being joined on their passage by 
three hundred regulars, arrived, in A]^ril, at the place of des- 
tination. The forts were invested ; the resistance made \v as 
tritiiiig and ineffectual ; and in a short time the English gained 
[possession of the whole province, according to their own defi- 
nition of its boundaries. 

Withiji these boundaries lived about seven thousand French 
inhabitants, mild and inoffensive people, but ignorant, bigoted, 
and devotedly attached to their country. At the time of the 
cession, they had been permitted to remain, upon taking an 
oath not to bear arms against the English. Some of them 
were found in arms when the country was now subdued, and 
others had, in various ways, aided their countrymen in their 
hostile operations against the English and their colonies. They 
v^ere now called upon to take the oath of allegiance without 
any (jualification. This they refused to do ; and it was then 
determined, by the civil authorities of Nova Scotia and the 
English admirals on the station, to disperse them among the 
Englihh colonies. This unpleasant duty was imposed upon 
Colonel Winslow, who endeavoured, in performing it, to lessen, 
as much as possible, the wretchedness of their fats. " It is 



162 11 1 STORY OF 

tho hardest," said one who was put on shore at Boston, ** tha* 
has ha})})eni»d since our Saviour was upon earth." They were 
distributed among: the several towns, and supported as pau- 
pers. INIany of our respectabk^ citizens may trace their i)edi- 
gree to the Neutral Frencli. 

The preparations of General Braddock had proceeded slowly. 
It had been found extremely dilhcult to procure horses, wag- 
gons, and provisions. Impatient of delay, he determined to 
set out Avith twelve hundred men selected from the ditfereut 
corps, and proceed as rapidly as possible towards Fort Du 
Quesne. The residue of the army and the heavy baggage 
were left under the command of Colonel Dunbar, who was 
directed to follow as soon as the preparations were completed. 
Having learned that AVashington, disgusted with an order 
which had been promulgated from England, that regular 
should take rank of provincial olhcers, of the same grade 
though holding older connnissions, had sent in his resignation, 
Braddock tendered him the appointment of his aid, which he, 
desirous of studying the art of war under an experienced 
commander, gladly accepted. 

This general had been educated in the English army ; and 
in the science of war, as then taught in Europe, he deserved 
and enjoyed the reputation of more than ordinary skill. Of 
this reputation he was vain, and disdained to consider that his 
skill was totally inapplicable to the mode of warflire practised 
in the forests of America. Before he left England, he was re- 
peatedly admonished to beware of a surprise ; and on his 
inarch through the wilderness, the provincial officers frequently 
entreated him to scour the surrounding thickets. But he held 
these officers and the enemy in too much contempt to listen to 
this salutary counsel. 

On api)roaching Eort Du Quesne, Colonel Washington made 
a last attempt to induce him to change his order of march. 
He explained the Indian mode of warfare, represented his dan- 
ger, and offered to take coumiand of the provincials, and 
place himself in advance of the army. This olfer was de- 
clined. The general proceeded, confident of the propriety 
of his conduct ; the provincials followed, trembling for the 
consequences. 

On the i)th of July, the army crossed the Monongahela^ 
within a few miles of Du Quesne. Their route led through a 
defile, which they had nearly passed, when a tremendous yell 
and instantaneous discharge of fire-arms suddenly burst upon 
them from an invisible foe. The van was thrown into confu- 
sion. The general led the main body to its support. For a 
moment, order was restored ; and a short cessation of the 
enemy's fire, occasioned by the death of their commander, 
seemed to indicate that all was over. 



THE UNITED 8TATE8. 153 

But the attack was Boon renewed with increased fury. Con- 
cealed behind trees, logs, and rock«, the Indians poured ujion 
the troops a deadly and incessant lire. Officera and men fell 
thickly around, and the survivors knew not where to direct 
their aim to revenge their slaughtered comrades. The whole 
body was again thrown into confusion. The general, obsti- 
nate and courageous, refused to retreat, but bent his whole 
efforts to restore and maintain order. Ife persisted in these 
efforts, until live horses had been shot under him ; and every 
one of his officers on horseback, except Colonel Washington, 
was either killed or wounded. 

The general at length fell, and the route became universal. 
The troops fled precipitately until they met the division under 
Dunbar, then sixty miles in the rear. To this body the same 
panic was communicated. Turning about, they fled with the 
rest; and although no enemy had been seen during the en- 
gagement, nor afterwards, yet the army kept retreating until 
it reached Fort Cumberland, one hundred and twenty miles 
from the place of action. There they remained but a short 
time. With the remnant of the army, amounting to fifteen 
hundred men. Colonel Dimbar, upon whom, on the death of 
Braddock, the command devolved, marched to Philadelphia, 
leaving the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia destitute 
of defence. 

Tiie provincal toops, whom Braddock had so much despised, 
displayed, during the battle, the utmost calmness and cour- 
age. Though placed in the rear, they alone, led on by Wash- 
ington, advanced against thejndians, and covered the retreat. 
Had they been permitted to fight in their own way, they could 
easily have defeated the enemy. In this battle, sixty-four out 
of eighty-live officers were either killed or wounded, and at 
least one half of the privates. 

The two northern expeditions, though not so disastrous, 
were both unsuccessful. General Shirley, who had been ap- 
pointed to command that against Niagara, met with so many 
delays, that he did not reach Oswego until late in August. 
While embarking there to proceed against Niagara, the au- 
tumnal rains began, his troops became discouraged, his Indian 
allies deserted him, and he was compelled to relinrpjinh his 
design. 

The forces destined to attack Crown Point, and the requi- 
site military stores, could not be collected at Albany until the 
last of August. Thence the army, under ihfi conmiand of 
General Johnson, proceeded to the south end of Lake George, 
on their way to the place of destination. There he learned, 
that the armament, fitted out in the ports of France, eluding 
the English squadron, had arrived at Quebec, and that Baron 
G 5 



15^ rilSTORV OF 

Dioskuu, commander of the Fronrh forces, wns advancing: 
with an army towards the territories of the Knglisih. He 
halted, erected slight breastworks, and detached Cohmel Wil- 
liams, Avith a thousand men, to impede the progress of the 
enemy. 

l^ieskau, who was near, was immediately informed of the 
approach of this detachment. Without losing- a moment, 
ho directed his troops to conceid themselves. The Knglish 
advanced into the midst of their enemy, and, trom every tpiar- 
ter, received, at the same moment, a sudden and unexpected 
fnv. TluMr leader fell, and the men tied in disordiM" to the 
camp. They were followed closely by the (memy, who ap- 
proached within one innidred and tifty yards of the breast- 
work: and, had they made an immediate assault, wtmld, pro- 
bably, such was the panic of the lluglish, have been success- 
ful. lUit here they halted, to nuike dispositions for a regular 
attack. The Indians and Canadians were despatched to the 
tlanks, and the reg\ilar troops began the attack with tiring, by 
platoons, at the centre. The tiring was inelVectaal, and the 
provincials gradually resumed their courage. 

Johnson was wounded in the bcgiiming of the action; and 
(Jeneral Lynnm of Massachusetts assumed the connnand. A 
few discharges of the artillery drove the Canadians and In- 
dians to the swamps. The regulars, altliough deserted by the 
auxiliaries, manitained the conllict for moiv than an hour, 
with much steadiness and resolution. Dieskan, convinced 
that all his etVorts must be unavailing, then gave orders to re- 
tivat. This produced some confysiim, which being j)erceived 
by the provincials, they simultaneously, and without orders or 
concert, leaped over the tuitrcuchmcnts, fell upon the French 
soldiers, and killed, ca])tared, or dispersed them. The baron 
was wounded and nuuh» prisoner. It is worthy of remark 
that General .Johnson, in his otVicial account of the repulse, 
did not mention the name oi' Ceueral Lyman. Colonel Wil- 
liams, while at Albany, had made his will, by which he de- 
vised a large tract of land for the promotion of education, 
thus laving the foundation oi' Williams College. 

The next day. Colonel Hlanchard, who counnanded at Fort 
Edward, despatched Captains Folsom and MXiinnis, with two 
hundred men, to the assistance of General Johnson. On their 
way» they discovered between three and four hundivd of the 
enemy seated round a pond, not far from the \)lace whert^ Co- 
lonel Willianis had been defeated. Notwithstanding their in- 
feriority of numbers, they determined to attack this body. 
So impetuous was the onset, that, alter a short contlict, the 
enemy tied. In the several engagements, the provincials lost 
about two hundred men; the enemy, ujnvards oi' seven hun- 
dred. 



THE (JNITED STATES. )55 

General JohnHon, tliongli strongly imporluiied by the gov- 
ernment of MaHsachuHettH, reiuHcd to proceed u^jf^n his expe- 
dition, which was abandoned, and most of liis troops returned 
to their reHpective coh)ni<.'H. Thns ended the cainpdign of 
\1oo. It opened with the brightest prospects; immense pre- 
parations had been. made; yet not one (;f the objects of the 
three j^reat expeditions had been attained. 

During th^ fall and winter, the southern colonies were rav- 
aged, and the usual barbarities perpetrated upon the frontier 
inhabitants by the savages, who, on the defeat of Braddock, 
and the retreat of his army, saw nothing to restrain their fury. 
In Virginia and Pennsylvania, disputes existed between the 
governors and legislatures, which pre\ ented all attention to 
the means of defence. Scarcely a post was maintained, or a 
soldier employed in their servicf;. 

The colonies, far from being discouraged by the misfortunes 
of the last campaign, determined to renew and increase their 
exertions. General Shirley, to whom the superintendence of 
all the military operations had been confided, assembled a 
council of war at New York, to concert a plan for the ensuing 
year. He proposed that expeditions should be carried on 
against Du Quesne, Niagara, and Crown Point, and that a 
body of troops should be sent, by the way of the Rivers Ken- 
nebec and C'haijdiere, to alarm the French for the safety of 
Quebec. This plan was unanimously adoj>tedff)y the council. 

Shirley, on the last of January, returned to Boston, to meet 
the assembly of Massachusetts, of which colony he was gov- 
ernor. He endeavoured to persuade them to concur in the 
measures proponed ; but, disgusted with the proceedings of 
the last campaign, and especially at General .Johnson's neg- 
lecting to pursue his advantages, they were unwilling to en- 
gage in offensive operations, unless the command of their 
forces should be given to General Winslow, who had acquired 
popularity by his success in Nova Scotia. Their wishes were 
complied with, and their concurrence was then granted. 

In April, news arrived from Great Britain, that the conduct 
of General Johnson, instead of being censured, was considered 
highly meritorious ; that, as a reward for his success, the king 
had conferred upon him the title of baronet, and parliament a 
grant of five thousand pounds sterling; that his majesty dis- 
approved of the conduct of Shirley, and had determined to 
remove him from command. 

This information not being official. General Shirley, conti- 
nued his preparations with his usual activity and zeal. While 
engaged in collecting, at Albany, the troops from the different 
colonies, General Webb brought from England official infor- 
mation of his removal. (Jn the 25th of June, General Aber- 
crombie arrived, and took command of the anny. It now 



15G HISTORY OP 

consisted of about twelve thousand men, and was more nu- 
merous and better prepared for the field than any array that 
had ever been assembled in America. 

Sing:ular as it may appear, while this sanguinary war raged 
in America, the intercourse between the two nations in Europe 
not only continued uninterrupted, but seemed more than 
usually friendly. This unnatural state of things could not 
long continue. Great Britain declared war in May, and France 
in June. 

The change of commanders delayed the operations of the 
English army. The French were active; and on the 12th of 
July, General Abercrombie received intelligence that they me- 
ditated an attack upon Oswego, a post of the utmost import- 
ance. General AVebb was ordered to prepare to march with 
a regiment for the defence of that place. In the mean time, 
Lord Loudon, who had been appointed commander-in-chief 
over all the British forces in the colonies, arrived in America. 

Amidst the ceremonies which foUoAved, the aflfairs of the 
war were forgotten. General Webb did not begin his march 
until the Tith of August. Before he had proceeded far, he 
learned that Oswego was actually besieged by a large army 
of French and Indians. Alarmed for his own safety, he pro- 
ceeded no farther, but employed his troops in erecting fortifi- 
cations for thei^efence. 

General ^lonTCalm, the commander of the French troops in 
Canada, began the siege of Oswego on the 12th of August. 
On the 14th, the English commander having been killed, terms 
of surrender were proposed by the garrison, and were agreed 
to. These terms were shamefully violated. Several of the 
British officers and soldiers were insulted, robbed, and mas- 
sacred by the Indians. INIost of the sick were scalped in the 
hospitals, and the French general delivered twenty of the gar- 
rison to the savages, that being the number they had lost dur- 
ing the siege. Those unhappy wretches were, doubtless, ac- 
cording to the Indian custom, tortured and burnt. 

General "NVebb was permitted to retreat, unmolested, to 
Albany. Lord Loudon pretended it was now too late in the 
season to attempt any thing further, though the troops under 
General Winslow were within a few days' march of Ticon- 
deroga and Crown Point, and Avere sufficient in number to 
justif}^ an attack upon those places. lie devoted the remainder 
of the season to making preparations for an early and vigorous 
campaign the ensuing year. 

The western Indians, sustained and instigated by the French 
garrison at Du Quesne, made frequent incursions in Pennsyl- 
vania and "S'irginia, killing and capturing many, and driving 
the English from most of the frontier settlements. Soon after 
the defeat of Braddock, Virginia raised a regiment of troops, 



THE UNITED 8TATEH. 157 

and appointed WaBhington colonel and commander-in-chief 
of all the forceH raiwed and to be raised in the colony. For 
more than two years he was constantly occupied in the labo- 
rious duty of protecting an extensive and exposed frontier, 
and, by his skilful dispositions and incessant activity, accom- 
plished all that his inadequate means permitted. In his cor- 
respondence with the governor of Virginia and others, he 
pointed out Du Quesne as the source of all their afUictions, and 
repeatedly urged the necessity of an expedition against it. 

'J'his spring had opened with still more brilliant prospects 
than the last ; and the season closed without the occurrence 
of a single event that was honourable to the British arms, or 
advantageous to the colonies. This want of success was 
justly attributed to the removal of the provincial officers, who 
were well acquainted with the theatre of operations, but whom 
the ministry, desirous of checking the growth of talents in the 
colonies, were unwilling to employ. Yet the several assem- 
blies, though they saw themselves thus slighted, and their 
money annually sr^uandered, made all the preparations that 
were retpiired of them for th(? next campaign. 

'I'he reduction of Louisburgh was the object to which the 
ministry directed the attention of Lord Loudon. In the spring 
of 1757, he sailed from New York, with six thousand men, 
and, at Halifax, met Admiral Holboum, with transports 
containing an equal number of troops, and a naval force 
consisting of fifteen ships of the line. When about to pro- 
ceed to their place of destination, intelligence arrived that 
the garrison at Louisburgh had received a large reinforcement, 
and expected and desired a visit from the English. Disheart- 
ened by this intelligence, the general and admiral abandoned 
the ex])edition. 

While the 'English commanders were thus irresolute and 
idle, the French were enterprising and active. In March, 
General Montcalm made an attempt to surprise Fort William 
Henry, at the south end of Lake George, but was defeated by 
the vigilance and bravery of the garrison. He returned to 
Crown Point, leaving a party of troops at Ticonderoga. 
Against this post, near four hundred men were sent from the 
fort, under the command of Colonel Parker. 

The colonel was deceived in his intelligence, decoyed into 
an ambuscade, and attacked with such fury, that but two offi- 
cers and seventy privates escaped. Encouraged by this success, 
Montcalm determined to return and besiege Fort William 
Henry. For this purpose, he assembled an army consisting of 
regular troops, Canadians and Indians, and amounting to near 
ten thousand men. 

Major Putnam, a brave and active partisan obtained infor- 
mation of the purposes of Moritcaliii, which he communicated 



ISS HISTORY OF 

to General Webb, who, in the absence of Lord Loudon, com- 
manded the British troops in that quarter. The general en- 
joined silence upon Putnam, and adopted no other measure, on 
receiving the intelligence, than sending Colonel Monro to take 
command of the fort. The day after this officer, ignorant of 
what was to happen, had arrived at this post, the lake ap- 
peared covered with boats, which swiftly approached the 
shore. Montcalm, with but little opposition, effected a land- 
ing, and immediately began the siege. Tlie garrison, consist- 
ing of two thousand five hundred men animated by the expec- 
tation of relief, made a gallant defence. 

General Webb had an army at Fort Edward, of more than 
four thousand men ; and it was in his power to call in a large 
number of provincial troops from New York and New Eng- 
land. To him Colonel Monro sent repeated and pressing soli- 
citations for immediate succour. These he disregarded, seem- 
ing entirely indifferent to the distressing situation of his fel- 
low-soldiers. At length, on the ninth day of the siege, in 
compliance with the entreaties of the friends of Monro, General 
Webb despatched Sir William Johnson, with a body of men, 
to his relief. They had not proceeded three miles, when the 
order was countermanded. Webb then wrote to Monro that 
he could afford him no assistance, and advised him to surren- 
der on the best terms that he couid obtain. This letter was 
intercepted by Montcalm^ who, in a conference which he pro- 
cured, handed it himself to the commander of the fort. All 
hope of relief being extinguished, articles of capitulation were 
agreed to. In these it was expressly stipulated by Montcalm, 
that the prisoners should be protected from the savages by a 
guard, and that the sick and wounded should be treated with 
humanity. 

But, the next morning, a great number of Indians, having 
been permitted to enter the lines, began to plunder. Meeting 
with no opposition, they fell upon the sick and wounded, 
whom they immediately massacred. This excited their ap- 
petite for carnage. The defenceless troo])S were surrounded 
and attacked with fiend-like fury. Monro, hastening to Mont- 
calm, implored him to provide the stipulated guard. 

His entreaties were ineffectual, and the massacre proceeded. 
All was turbulence and horror. On every side, savages were 
butchering and scalping their wretched victims. Their hideous 
3'^ells, the groans of the dying, and the frantic shrieks of 
others shrinking from the uplifted tomahawk, Avere heard b^'' 
the French unmoved. The fury of the savages was permitted 
to rage v/ithout restraint, until a large number were killed, or 
hurried captives into the wilderness. 

The day after this awful tragedy, Major Putman was sent, 
with his rangers, to watch the enemy. When he came to the 



TH^ UNITED STATES. 159 

shore of the lake, their rear was hardly beyond the reach of 
musket shot. The prospect was shocking and horrid. The 
fort was demolished. The barracks and buildings were yet 
burning. Innumerable fragments of human carcasses still broiled 
in the decaying fires. Dead bodies, mangled with tomahawks 
and scalping-knives, in all the wantonness of Indian barbarity 
Avere every where scattered around. 

General Webb, apprehensive of an attack upon himself, sent 
expresses to the provinces for reinforcements. They were 
raised and despatched with expedition ; but as Montcalm re- 
turned to Ticonderoga, they were kept in service but a few 
weeks. And thus ended the third campaign i# America. 

These continual disasters resulted from folly and mismanage- 
ment, rather than from want of means and military strength. 
Tlie British nation was alarmed and indignant, and the king 
found it necessary to change his councils. At the head of the 
new ministry, he placed the celebrated William Pitt, who rose, 
by the force of his talents i^lone, from the humble post of ensign 
in the guards to the controul of the destinies of a mighty em- 
pire. Public confidence revived, and the nation seeemed in- 
spired with new liie and vigour. 

For the next campaign, the ministry determined upon three 
expeditions — one of twelve thousand men, against Louisburgh ; 
one of sixteen thousand, against Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point; and one of eight thousand, against Fort Du Quesne. 
The colonies were called upon to render all the assistance ini 
their power. Lord Loudon having been recalled, the command 
of the expedition against Louisburgh was given to General 
Amherst, under whom General Wolfe served as a brigadier. 
The place was invested on the 12th of June. Amherst made 
his approaches with much circumspection ; and, without any 
memorable incident, the seige terminated, on the 26th of July, 
by the surrender of the place. Whenever an opportunity oc- 
curred, General Wolfe, who was then young, displayed all that 
fire, impetuosity and discretion, which afterwards immortal- 
ized his name. 

The expedition against Ticonderoga was commanded by 
General Abercrombie. He was accompanied by Lord Howe, 
whose military talents and amiable virtues made him the dar- 
ling of the soldiery. The army consisted of seven thousand 
regular troops and ten thousand provincials. AVhen approach- 
ing the fort, a skirmish took place with a small party of the 
enemy, in which Lord Howe was killed at the first fire. On 
seeing him fall, the troops moved forward with an animated 
determination te avenge his death. Three hundred of the 
enemy were killed on the spot, and one hundred and forty 
made prisoners. 

The ardour of his men, and the intelligence gained from the 



160 HISTORY OF 

prisoners, induced General Abercrombie to make an assault 
upon the works. It was received with undaunted bravery, 
and was persevered in with singular obstinacy. For four 
hours, the troops remained before the walls, attempting to scale 
them, and exposed to a destructive fire of musketry and ar- 
tillery. The general, despairing of success, then directed a 
retreat. Near two thousand of the assailants were killed or 
wounded. The loss of the French was not great, and most of 
the killed were shot through the head, the other parts of' their 
bodies being protected by their works. 

After this bloody repulse, Abercrombie despatched Colonel 
Bradstreet, wi^ three thousand men, mostly provincials, 
against Fort Frontenac, which was situated on Lake Ontario, 
and contained a large quantity of merchandise, provisions, and 
military stores. It fell an easy conquest, and the loss was 
severely felt by the French. The western Indians, not receiv- 
ing their usual supply of merchandise, relaxed in their exer- 
tions : and the troops at Du Quesne suffered from the want of 
the provisions and military stores. These circumstances con- 
tributed essentially to facilitate the operations of the third 
expedition. 

This was placed under the command of General Forbes, who 
was accompanied by Colonel Washington, with his regiment 
of Virginia troops. He left Philadelphia in the beginning of 
July, and, after a laborious march, through deep morasses and 
over unexplored mountains, arrived at Raystown, ninety miles 
from Du Quesne. An advanced party of eight hundred men, 
under the command of Major Grant, was met by a detachment 
from the fort, and defeated, with great slaughter. Forbes, ad- 
monished by this disaster, advanced with cautious and steady 
perseverance. The enemy observing his circumspection, de- 
termined not to abide the event of the seige. After disman- 
tling the fort, they retired down the Ohio, to their settlements 
on the Mississippi. General Forbes, taking posssession of the 
place, changed its name to Pitsburgh. 

The campaign of 1758 was highly honourable to the British 
arms. Of the three expeditions, two had completely succeed- 
ed, and the leader of the third had made an important con- 
quest. To the commanding talents of Pitt, and the confidence 
which they inspired, this change of fortune must be attributed ; 
and in no respect were these talents more strikingly displayed, 
than in the choice of men to execute his plans. 

Encouraged by the events of this year, the English antici- 
pated still greater success in the campaign which was to fol- 
low." The plan marked out by the minister was indicative of 
the boldness and energy of his genius. Three different armies 
were, at the same time, to be led against the three strongest 
posts of the French in America — Niagara, Ticonderoga, and 



THE UNITED STATES. 161 

Quebec. The latter post was considered the strongest; and 
it was therefore intended that, should Ticonderoga be con- 
quered, the victorious army should press forward to assist in 
its reduction. 

In the beginning of July, General Prideaux embarked on 
Lake Ontario, with the army destined against Niagara, and, 
on the 6th, landed about three miles from the fort. He imme- 
diately commenced a siege, in the progress of which he was 
killed, by the bursting of a shell. The command devolved 
upon Sir William Johnson. An army of French and Indians 
appproaching soon after, he detached a part of his forces to 
meet them. A battle ensued ; the English gained the victory, 
which was followed by the surrender of the fort. 

General Amherst, to whom was assigned the expedition 
against Ticonderoga, found so many difficulties to surmount, 
that he was unable to present himself before that place until 
late in July. It was immediately abandoned by the enemy. The 
British general, after repairing the works, proceeded against 
Crown Point. On his approach, this was also deserted, the 
enemy retiring to the Isle aux^Noix. To gain possession of 
this post, great efforts were made, and much time consumed ; 
but a succession of storms on Lake Champlain prevented suc- 
cess. General Amherst was compelled to lead back his army 
to Crown Point, where he encamped for the winter. 

The expedition against Quebec was the^most daring and im- 
portant. The place, strong by nature, had been made still 
stronger by art, and had received the appropriate appellation 
of the Gibraltar of America. Every expedition against it had 
failed. It was now commanded by Montcalm, an officer of 
distinguished reputation ; and an attempt to reduce it must 
have seemed chimerical to any one but Pitt. He judged, 
rightly, that [the boldest and most dangerous enterprises are 
often the most successful. They arouse the energies of man, 
and elevate them to the level with the dangers and difficulties 
to be encountered, especially when committed to ardent minds, 
glowing with enthusiasm, and emulous of glory. 

Such a mind he had discovered in General Wolfe, whose 
conduct at Louisburgh had attracted his attention. He ap- 
pointed him to conduct the expedition, and gave him, for as- 
sistants, Brigadier- Generals Moncton, Townshend, and Mur- 
ray ; all, like himself, young and ardent. Early in the season, 
he sailed from Halifax, with eight thousand troops, and, near 
the last of June, landed the whole army on the Island of Or- 
leans, a few miles below Quebec. From this position he could 
take a near and distinct view of the obstacles to be overcome. 
These were so great, that even the bold and sanguine Wolfe 
perceived more to fear than to hope. In a letter to Mr. Pitt, 



i^2 



HISTORY OF 



written before commencing operations, he declared that he saw 
but little prospect of reducing the place. 

Quebec stands on the north side of the St. Lawrence, and 
consists of an upper and lower town. The lower town lies 
between the river and a bold and lofty eminence, which runs 
parallel to it, far to the westward. At the top of this emi- 
nence is a ])lain, upon Avhich the upper town is situated. Be- 
low, or east of the city, is the river St. Charles, whose chan- 
nel is rough, and whose banks are steep and broken. A short 
distance down is the river Montmorency, and between these 
two rivers, and reaching from one to the other, Avas encamped 
the French army, strongly intrenched, and at least equal in 
number to that of the English. 

General Wolfe took possession of Point Levi, on the bank 
of the river opposite Quebec, and from that position can- 
nonaded the town. Some injury was done to the houses ; but 
his cannon were too distant to make any impression upon the 
works of the enemy. He resolved to quit this post, to land 
below INIontmorency, and, passing that river, to attack the 
French general in his intrenchments. 

He succeeded in landing his troops, and, with a portion of 
his army, succeeded in crossing the INIontmorency. A partial 
engagement took i)lace, in which the French obtained the ad- 
vantage. Relinquishing this plan, he then determined, in con- 
cert with the admiral, to destroy the French shipping and 
magazines. Two attempts were unsuccessful ; a third was 
more fortunate ; yet but little was effected. At this juncture, 
intelligence arrived that Niagara was taken, that Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point had been abandoned, but that General Am- 
hert, instead of pressing forward to their assistance, was pre- 
paring to attack the Isle aux Noix. 

Wolfe rejoiced at the triumph of his brethren in arms, but 
could not avoid contrasting their success with his own ill for- 
tune. His mind, alike lofty and susceptible, was deeply im- 
pressed by the disasters at Montmorency ; and the extreme 
chagrin of his spirits, preying upon his delicate frame, sensibly 
affected his health. He was observed frequently to sigh ; and, 
as if lile was only vahiable while it added to his glory, he de- 
clared to his intimate friends, that he would not survive the 
disgrace which he imagined would attend the failure of his en- 
terprise. 

Despairing of success below the town, he next directed his 
efforts towards effecting a landing above it. He removed a 
part of his army to Point Levi, and the remainder higher up the 
river. He now found that, on this quarter, the fortifications 
were not strong ; and discovered that the heights behind them 
itiight possibly be gained, by ascending a precipice in a narrow 
path, which was defended only by a captain's guard. 



T1£E UNITKD STATES. 163 

The dilficultioH attondiTif^ this etitorprisr; wore mimerouH. — 
'J'he current waH rajiid, th(; Hh(>r(; nhclvin^, the. only landing- 
place H(j narrow, that it might caHily he miHKed in the dark, 
and the Hteep ahove, Hiich uh troops, even when inioppoHed, 
could not awcend without di/liculty. 'iet the; plan, though 
bold and hazardous, was well adapted to the desperate situa- 
tion of aff'airH, and was d(.'termined on. 

'i'o conceal their inhmtion, the admiral retired weveral leagucB 
up the river. During the (!vening, a ntrong d(!tachment was 
put on board the boafH, and moved nilently down, with the 
tide, to the place of landinfi:, where th^y arrived an hour be- 
fore daybreak. Wf^jfe leajied on hIioh;, waH followed by the 
troo)j«, and all instantly began, with the aHHintance of 8hrub« 
and projecting rockfl, to climb up the precipice. The guard 
waH dispersed, and, by the dawn of day, the whole army 
gained the; h(;ightH of Abraham, where the different corp8 were 
formed und(;r Ihcir rcMijecfive h-'adcrs. 

Montcalm, at first, could not believe? that the English had 
ascended the heights. When convinced of the fact, he com- 
prehended the full advantage they had gained. He saw that 
a battle was inevitable, and pn^pared for it with prornptnewa 
and courage. Leaving his camp at Montmorency, he advanced 
towards the English army, which was formed in order of battle 
to receive him. 

The French advanced briskly. The English reserved their 
fire until the en(!my was near, and then gave it with decisive 
effect. Early in th(» engag(;ment, V/olfe was wounded in the 
wrist; but, preserving his composure, he continued to encou- 
rage his troops. Soon after, he received a shot in the groin. — 
'i'liis [jainful wound he also concealed, placed himself at the 
head of the grenadiers, and was leading them to the charge, 
when h(! received a third and mortal wound. 

Undismayed by the fall of their general, the English conti- 
nued their exertions under Moncton, who, in a short time, was 
himsolf wounded, and the command devolved upon Tcjwns- 
hend. About the same time, Montcalm received a mortal 
wound : and the second in command also fell. 'J'Ik; left wing 
and centre of Ihe I'rench gave way. Part were driven into 
Quebec, and part over the river St. Charles. 

On receiving his mortal wound, Wolfe was conveyed into 
the rear, where, careless about himself, he discovered, in the 
agonies of death, the most anxious solicitude concerning the 
fate of th(* day. From extreme faintnesH, he had reclined his 
head on the; arm of an oflicer, but was soon aroused by the cry 
of, " 'I'hey ily, they fly." " Who lly ?" exclaimed the dying 
hero. " The French," answ(;redhi8 attendant. " Then," said 
he, '' I die contented," and immediately expired. A death so 



164 HISTORY OF 

glorious, and attended by circumstances so interesting, has 
seldom been recorded. 

Five days after the battle, the city surrendered, and received 
an English garrison. The French concentrated their remain- 
ing forces at Montreal, and, early in the spring, made at- 
tempts to regain possession of Quebec. Unsuccessful in 
these, they returned to Montreal, towards which the whole 
British force in America, under the connnand of General Am- 
herst, was approaching. This force was too strong to be re- 
sisted. In September, 17G0, that city surrendered, and soon 
after all the French posts in Canada fell into the power of the 
English. 

In other parts of the world, their arms were equally suc- 
cessful; and, in 1 762, negociations for peace were opened in 
Paris. In England, tlie tpiestion was freely discussed, whe- 
ther it M'as expedient to retain Canada, or restore it to France. 
In an anonymous pamphlet, the j)olicy of restoring it Avas dis- 
tinctly maintained, on the ground that it would, in the posses- 
sion of France, serve as a check to the growth of the English 
colonies, which would otherwise " extend themselves, almost 
without bounds, into the inland parts, become a numerous, 
hardy, independent people, living wholly on their own labour, 
and, in process of time, knowing or caring little about the mo- 
ther country." Benjamin Franklin, then in London as the agent 
of Pennsylvania, published a reply, in which he forcibly repre- 
sented the ingratitude and cruelty of leaving this " check'* 
ui)on the back of the colonies, which had incurred expenses 
and made exertions unsurpassed in modern times, to procure 
exemption from Indian massacre ; and plainly intimated that, 
if deserted by England, they might seek that exemption by 
thj'owing themselves into the arms of France. If the English 
ministry ever entertained such an intention, it was abandoned; 
the French displayed no reimgnance to the cession; and in 
the beginning of 1763, a treaty was concluded by which 
France ceded to England all her northern settlements in Ame- 
rica. In this relief from all future dread of savage incursions, 
the colonies found a full compensation for all their losses and 
suiferings. 



CHAPTER XVII. 
REYOLUTION. 

In the late brilliant contest, England had made unprecedented 
exertions. At its close, she found that, though she had encir- 
cled her name with glory, and added extensive territories to 



TH£ UNITED «TATEH. 166 

her empire, she had increased, in proportion, tho burdens of 
her subjects, having added three hundred and twenty millions 
of dollars to the amount of her debt. To find the means of 
defraying the annual charges of this debt, and her other in- 
creased expenditures, was the first and diflicult task of her le- 
gislators. 

Regard for their own interest and popularity compelled 
them to avoid, if possible, imposing the whole burden upon 
themselves and their fellow-subjects at home ; and their 
thoughts were turned to the colonies, as the source whence 
alleviation and assistance might be derived. On their account, 
it was alleged, the contest had been waged ; they would share 
the advantages of its glorious termination, and justice re- 
<iuired that they should also pay a portion of the expenses. 

To adopt this expedient, the British ministry were the more 
naturally led by the opinion which all the JOuropean govern- 
ments entertained of the relation between the mother country 
and her colonies. They were supposed to be dependent on 
her will, their inhabitants a distinct and subordinate class of 
subjects, and their interests entirely subservient to her aggran- 
dizement and prosperity. 

Acting upon these principles, Great llritain had, by her laws 
of trade and navigation, confined the commerce of the colo- 
nies almost wholly to herself. To encourage her own artisans, 
she had even, in some cases, prohibited the establishment of 
manufactories in America. These restrictions, while they in- 
creased her revenues and wealth, greatly diminished the profits 
of the trade of the colonies, and sensibly impeded their internal 
jirosperity. They were most injurious to New England, where 
the sterility of the soil repelled the people from the pursuits of 
agriculture; there they were most frerpiently violated, and 
there the arbitrary means adopted to enforce them awakened 
the attention of a proud and jealous people to their natural 
rights ; to their rights as English subjects ; and to the rights 
granted and secured by their charters. 

Even before the treaty of France was signed, but not until 
after the concjuest of Canada, the spirit of resistance to arbi- 
trary vexations was manifested, in I3oston, in a manner which 
ought to have been received as a warning by the ministry. It 
had been usual for the officers of the customs, when they sus- 
pected contraband goods were concealed in warehouses or 
dwelling-houses, to enter and search for them, by the autho- 
rity merely of their commissions. This authority was doubted ; 
some merchants resisted, and some brought suits against the 
officers for illegal entries. The governor was then applied to, 
and, as the chief civil magistrate, sometimes granted search- 
warrants ; but his authority being questioned, he desisted, and 
referred the officers to the superior court. This court, sup- 



ItUi HISTORY OV 

posing it hrtd nil tho i^owei-s oxoivi^od by the superior courts 
m Kuirland. thou, upon s])ooial a]>plication. issued writs of «s- 
gistauoe. siiuilar fo writs of th;\t luuno wliioh fUo eoiirt of e\- 
elu'quer was uuthoiisod by statute \o issue, and grautiujj the 
siune \>owor as seareh-warrants. 

Hut the validity of theso writs was als.> doubted, lu 1701 . 
such a writ beiuij- applied for. objeetiou was made ; and tho 
court, at the iwpiest oi' .lames Otis, appointed a day to hear 
an argument upon the power of the court to grantit. The 
merchants of I'oston and Salom. cousiilorinjr the ipiestion im- 
portant to their inteivsts. employed Mr. iHis and Oxonbridjfo 
Thatcher to arjrue ajrainst tho \)Owor of the court. The latter 
was not only eminent as a lawyer, but distinguished for his 
love of science and literafuiv. de\oted to his country, and 
fearless in expressing his detestation of the avarice and ambi- 
tion of the men in power, and his ajipreliension of their designs 
upon the liberties of the people. Mr. ()tis was a younger 
man. iif ardent passions, lofty spirit, and generous disposi- 
tion ; he held the olViee of advocate-general in the court o( 
admiralty, and. as scuh. was roipiestod by the custom-house 
otHcers. to sustain their application : but this he refused, and 
innnediately ivsigned his otllctv 

Tho nature of the ipiestion drew to the court-house, on tho 
day appointed, an immense concourse of people. The attor- 
ney-general spoke first in favour of the application: Mr. 
Thatcher ivplied. and Mr. (>tis followed. Uis address is re- 
presented to ha\e been one of surpassing- eloquence, lie 
spoke of tho inherent rights o\' num. of tho rights secured to 
Knglishmen by Magna t'harta. and to the emigrants by the 
colonial charter?!, lie expatiated upon the navigation act and 
the acts of trade ; showed that they originated in selfisthness, 
tJu\t they violated the rights o{' the'coloiiists, and that to en- 
force them was. and must be, tyranny and unmitigated op- 
pivssion. He declaimed against'writs' of assistance, likened 
them to general warrants, referred to instances in which they 
had boon used to gratity personal malice, and CiUitended that 
they were contrary to the connnon law, and unauthori/ed by 
any statute of England or Massachusetts. 

He spoke betwe^^n four and fn e hours, •* and in a style of 
oratory," says John Adams, who was present, '* that 1 never 
heard oipialled in this or in any other country. Every m.nn 
of a crowiled audience apjiearod to me to go away, as I did, 
ready to take arms against writs of assistance. The seeds of 
patriots and heroes were then and there sown. Then and 
there was tho tirst scene of the first act of opposition to the 
arbitrary claims of rireaj Britain."— The court declined to 
issue the writ. 

Among the acts of trade was one, passed at the solicitation 



THK i:sl'tF.i) «TATKH. 1 07 

i>r fh<f pJfirifcrH jfi tin? lirifJHli ihIhikU in Ihrt Wr»fjt Indi^^M, irn- 
[>o«ifiK a h<^avy duty on rurn, miirnr, and rnolahHfjH, when 
iniporf>;d into th(; colonicH from tlir? j'n^ncli ixlandn. 'Aiw 
;ju;t, if rigidly «;nfor(,'(id, wonid have d<r«troy<'d a profitabh^ 
tr;td<; with thow; JHlandw, which n^wived, in <'xchan(f<* for 
thoM<; arti<;)o«, th<i fiHh and |iinih«'r of Now Knj/land. The 
r;iiHtofji-hoiJH<! ofhcern,, convinf;(rd of the injuntice of tJie duty, 
had forhorne to (;xact the whoh'of it, receivinf^, without Mtrict 
in'jiiiry, whatever wan v/illinj/ly ofli-red. In ) T^i'i, Hpeeial in- 
Htructionw were Hent to Anifriea that thin aet niuHt he rij^idly 
enlorafd. " TUa [>iihlication of the«(; irjMtnictionH," nayH Minot, 
"oecawioned an alarm in the nortlierri eohniiew ^n'nic.r than 
that oecaHioned by the capture of Fort Willianj Henry, in 1 757." 

The act before mentioned, brjing, when pa««ed, limit^td in it« 
duration, wouh] expire in 1704; and the preamble declared 
thfit the object of it wan to afford relief to the Uritiwh V^ant 
India inlandH, It waH thrrefore con«id<*red an act, not t<> 
raine a revenue, but to regulate trade, and an hucIi, though op- 
prcMHive, within the power of [jarliament to paHi^. In the be- 
ginning of that year, tin; act waH remod'-llf-d ; the preamble 
wan made to declare that " it waH yint and neceH8ary that a 
revenue nhould be rained in America;" a duty waH laid on 
coffee, n\\U, calico, and Kome oth(;r commoditieK when im- 
ported into the coloni<'K ; and in thJH whape it wan made per- 
.petual. Mr, Cin-nville, the prime miniHt*^, alHO pro{jOHed a 
rcHoluti/jn, " that it v/ould be [jroper to r;hargr' certain Htamp 
duti(?M on the colonien," but pOHtponed th(; connideration of 
that Hubject to a future He«Mion. Am it waH foreneen that the 
law would be diHregarded, if extraordinary meaHureH were 
not adopt<'d to enforce it, provision waH made that all penal- 
ticH for violationB of it, and of all other revenue lawH, might 
be recovered in the admiralty courfH. The judgen of thew* 
courtH were depf^ndent Kohrly on the king, and decided the 
cauHCH brought before them, without the intervention of a jury. 

Intctlligfncf; of thcHe proceed irigH occanioned, in America 
great and uni vernal alarm. 'I hey were conHidered the com- 
mfncement of a HynUtin of taxation, which, if not vigorously 
rcHiHtr-d, would, in time, be extended to every article of com- 
m(;rce, and to rjvfjry internal Hource of income; and if the 
coloniHtH could b(; depriv(?d in one claHH of cauHeH, why not in 
all, of that iueHtimable [privilege, the trial by jury 'f 

The general court of SlaHKachuKettH, at theirHewHion in June, 
took thiM law into conHideration. The houne of repreHenta- 
tivcH Hent a Hpirited lettt^r of iuHtructionH to their agent, in 
P^ngland, in which they denied the right of parliament to im- 
poK<5 dutieH and taxcH upon the people not reprenented in the 
houHc of commonH ; and directed him to remonstrate againut 
theduticM irnpoHcd, and the stamp act in contemplation. They 



i6B tllSTOFxY OK 

also acquaiutod the other I'olouios with tho instructions thoV 
had givon to thoir airont. and dosirod thoir i'i>m'urronoe in the 
nu>do of oi^positiou adopted. In tho eourso of tho yoar, so- 
voral other colonies, partieularly New York and \'irginia, re- 
monstrated, in respeetiiil but decided terms, against the pro- 
ceedings of parliament. 

In these several state papers, the right of Great Brit^vin to 
collect a tax hi the colonies, Avas explicitly denied ; and the 
denial was supported by clear and powerful arguments. It 
was stated that the hrst emigrants canu^ to America with the 
undoubted consent of the mother comitry: that all the ex- 
penses of removal, of purcluif^ing i\\o territory, and, Wn- a long 
time, of protection from savage warfare, were defrayed by 
private individuals, except in the single instance of the set- 
tlement of (icorgia; that charters, under the great seal, were 
given to the emigrants, imparting and securing to them, and 
to their descendants, all the rights, o( natural born English 
subjects ; that, of ihese rights, none was more indisputa- 
ble, and none more highly valued, than that no subject could 
be deprived of his property but by his own consent, expressed 
in person or by his representative : that taxes were but grants, 
by the representative, of a ])ortion of his own jiroperty, and of 
that of those who had authorized him \o act in their behalf. 
Could it be just, it was asked, that the representatives of 
Englishmen tihould "give and grant" the property of Ame- 
ricans; AVitli what safety to the colonies could the right of 
taxing them be confided to a body ol' men three thousand 
miles distant, over whom they had no control, none of whom 
could be acquainted with their situation or resources, and 
whose interests would impel them io make the burdens of the 
colonists heavy, that their own might be light r 

l>ut, besides infringing the rights of freemen, the measure 
was neither equitable nor generous. The colonies had domes- 
tic governments Avhich they alone supported : in the late war, 
their exertions had been greater, in iu"o\iortion to their ability, 
than those of England ; they also had contracted debts which 
they must themselves pay; the taxes laid by many of the as- 
semblies were higher than those jniid by the inhabitants of 
England ; if the war had been waged on their account, it was 
because, as colonies, they were beneticial to the mother coun- 
try ; and from its happy termination they deri\ed no advan- 
tage which was not the source of ultimate prot't to her. 

Upon men who entertained the strictest notions of colonial 
dependence, and parliamentary supremacy, these arguments 
had little etVect. The minister was not diverted from his pur- 
pose. In March, ITt)."), he laid before parliament a bill, im- 
posing stamp duties on certain ]->aiiers and documents used in 
the colonies. At the tirst reading, it was warmly opposed ; 



THE UNITKD HTATEm! 169 

by fjomft becauHe it waH impolitic, by two orily bocauBe it wan 
a violation of rij^ht. 

'I'Ik; bill waH Hijj)portcid by Charlf'« 'rowriHli<;n(3, a brilliant 
orat(jr, on tlio Hif3«; of thf; rniniHtry. At tho concluHJon of an 
animat<;(l Kp(;(;cli, ho domandftd, — " Anr3 thcHit ArriffHcanH, chil- 
dren fjlant«;fJ by our can*, nourJHhfjfl by our inclulgonc**, pro- 
tected by our arniH, until Ihey are y^rown to a good degree of 
Htntngth any (jpulence, — will they grudge to contribute their 
Tnit<i to relievf.' uk from the heavy load of national expeiiHe 
"which we lie under?" 

Colonel Barre, immediately rising, indignantly and elo- 
(juently exclaimed — *' ('///Udren pl/mCed hy your rare I No! 
Vour o[)preHHionH planted them in America. 'I'hey fled from 
your tyranny into a then uncultivated land, where they were 
expOHed to all the hardnhipH to which human nature Ih liable; 
and, among oih(;rH, to tin; criieltif.'H, of a navage foe, the moHt 
Bubtle, and, I will take upon me to Hay, the mont terrible, that 
ever inhabited any j;art of Ood'H earth. And yet, actuated by 
princjfjlew (;f true i^rigliHli liberty, they mr*t all theMC* hard- 
Hhi(iH with jjb;aHun,', when they compared th(;m with thoHe 
they Hulfered in their own country, from men who whould have 
b(!en th(rir friendH. 

" 'J'licy 'nourishjul hy your indulyancf; ! No. 'Jljey grew by 
your neglect. When you brgan to care about them, that care 
waH exerciwed in Hending perHonH to rule over them, who were 
the deputicH of Home deputy H(?nt to spy out their liberty, to 
miHrf'pr(;Kent their actiouH, and to prey upon them ; whoHe 
behaviour, on many occaHionH, ban cauHed tlie blood of thone 
«onH of liberty to recoil within them; men promoted to the 
liigheHt H('atH of juHtice, Home of whom werrj glad, by going to 
a foreign country, to cMcape being brought to the bar of jus- 
tice in their own. 

" 'J'ficy protected by ymir arms ! They have nobly taken up 
armn in your defence. They have exerted their valour, amidnt 
tjieir conKtant and laborious industry, for the d(;fence of a coun- 
try which, while its frmitier was drenched in blood, liaH 
yi(.'lded all its little Haviijgs to your emolument. IJelieve me, 
— and njmember I this day told you ho, — the same spirit which 
actuated that people at lirst, still continues with them; but 
j)rudence forbids me to «;xplain myself further. 

"fiod knows I do not at this time; sp«?ak from party heat. 
However supr-rior tome in g(;neral knowledge and experience 
any one here may be, I claim to know more of Amerii;a, hav- 
ing been conversant in that country. 'J'he people there are a« 
truly loyal as any subjects the king has ; but they are a people 
jealous of their liberties, and will vindicate them if they should 
n 



170 HISTORY OF 

be violated. But the subject is delicate; I will say no 
more." 

Eloquence and argument availed nothing. The bill was al- 
most unanimously passed. The night after, Doctor Franklin, 
then in England as agent for Pennsylvania, wrote to Charles 
Thompson — " The sun of liberty is set; you must light up the 
candles of industry and economy." ^' Be assured," said Mr. 
Thompson in reply, " that we shall light up torches of quite 
another sort;" thus predicting the commotion which fol- 
lowed. 

The act provided that all contracts and legal processes 
should be written on stamped paper, which was to be fur- 
nished, at exorbitant prices, by the government, or should have 
no force in law. Information of its passage was received in 
all the colonies with sorrow and dismay. They saw that they 
must either surrender, without a struggle, their darling rights, 
or resist the government of a nation, which they had been ac- 
customed to regard with filial respect, and was then the most 
powerful in the world. 

t The general assembly of Virginia was in session when this 
intelligence arrived. The principal members — those who took 
the lead in the debate and guided the deliberations— at that 
time, and for many years before, belonged to the rich landed 
aristocracy of the colony. At this session, Patrick Henry, 
chosen to supply a vacancy, took his seat for the first time. 
He was then a young man, almost destitute of fortune, wath 
little education, of rustic manner8,^and had lately been licensed 
to practise as an attorney. A iew months previously, be- 
fore a county court, he had argued a cause, the decision of 
which depended upon the extent of the powers of the king, 
and of the rights of the colonial legislature — in other words, of 
the people ; and he had sustained the cause of the people with 
such boldness and impassioned eloquence, as astonished and 
captivated the audience. Soon after taking his seat in the 
house of burgesses, he resisted and defeated a project for es- 
tablishing a loan-office, introduced and supported for selfish 
purposes, by the aristocratic leaders of the assembly ; thus, at 
one effort, wresting the reins from their hands, and transfer- 
ring the control of the house to the other class of representa- 
tives. Near the close of the session, having waited, as he ob- 
served, until he found that no other member was disposed to 
step forth, he introduced the following resolutions : — 

'' Resolved, that the first adventurers and settlers of this his 
majesty's colony and dominion, brought with them, and trans- 
mitted to their posterity, and all other his majesty's subjects, 
since inhabiting in this his majesty's said colony, all the privi- 
leges, franchises, and immunities that have, at any time. 



THE UNITED (STATES. 171 

been held, enjoyed, and possessed by the people of Great 
Britain. 

*' Resolved, that by two royal charters, granted by King 
James the First;, the colonists aforesaid are declared entitled to 
all the privileges, liberties, and immunities ot denizeusaud na- 
tural born subjects, to all intents and purposes, as if they had 
been abiding and born within the realm of England. 

"Resolved, that the taxation of the people by themselves, or 
by persons chosen by themselves to represent them, who can 
onl)'^ know what taxes the people are able to bear, and the 
easiest mode of raising them, and are equally affected by such 
taxes themselves, is the distinguishing characteristic of British 
freedom, and without which the ancient constitution cannot 
subsist. 

" Resolved, that his majesty's liege people of this most an- 
cient colony have uninterruptedly enjoyed the right of being 
thus governed by their own assembly, in the article of their 
taxes and internal police, and that the same hath never been 
forfeited, or any other way given up, but hath been constantly 
recognized by the king and people of Great Britain. 

" Resolved, therefore, that the general assembly of this co- 
lony have the sole right and power to lay taxes and imposi- 
tions upon the inhabitants o\ this colony ; and that every at- 
tempt to vest such power in any persons whatsoever, other 
than the general assembly aforesaid, has a manifest tendency 
to destroy British as well as American freedom." 

These resolutions were seconded by George Johnston. The 
debate whch followed was able, vehement and eloquent. 
They were opposed by Randolph, Bland, Pendleton, Wythe, 
and others, who were afterwards able and active advocates of 
their country. These members did not controvert the princi- 
ples asserted in the resolutions, but contended that it was in- 
expedient to adopt them, the same sentiments, in more con- 
ciliatory language, having been at their preceding session, ex- 
pressed in their petition and memorials, to which no answers 
had j'et been received. The sublime eloquence of Henry and 
the solid reasoning of Johnston prevailed. The resolutions 
were adopted : the last, however, which distinctly denied a 
right which parliament had exercised, was carried by a majo- 
rity of one vote onl}'-. 

It is deeply to be regretted that no particular account of this 
debate has been transmitted to us. Frequent bursts of sublime 
eloquence, and the bold expression of important political 
truths, before seldom uttered, must have rendered it interesting 
to the scholar and the patriot. A single passage in Henry's 
speech is all that tradition has furnished; and this may pre- 
sent some idea of the orator's manner, and of the character of 
the debate. While descanting on the tyranny of the obnoxi- 



172 HISTORY OF 

ous act, he exclaimed, " C.'^sar had his" Brutus — Charles the 
First his Cromwell — and George the Third—" ("Treason," 
cried the speaker and others.) Henry, pausing a moment, and 
fixing his eye on the speaker, finished the sentence — "may pro- 
fit by their' example. If that be treason, make the most off 
it." 

Mr. Henry left the seat of government the evening after the 
resolutions were adopted. The next morning, a motion was ; 
made to erase the last from the journals ; and as Henry was < 
absent, and as some members who had voted for it, had, on i 
reflection, become alarmed at its boldness, the motion pre- 
vailed But by this debate, as well as by the argument of ' 
Mr. Otis, at Boston, in 17(>1, " the seeds of patriots and heroes 
were sown," which afterwards sprang up and flourished abun- 
dantly. The resolutions were industriously but privately cir- 
culated, in the principal cities, until they arrived in New 
England, where they were fearlessly published in all the 
newspapers. 

Nearly at the same time, and before the proceedings of Vir- 
ginia were known in Massachusetts, her general court adopted 
measures to procure a combined opposition to the offensive 
laws. They passed a resolve proposing that a congress oft 
delegates from the several colonies should be held at New 
York, and addressed letters to the other assemblies, earnestly ; 
soliciting their concurrence. 

These legislative proceedings took place in May and June ' 
1765. They were the moderate and dignified expression of I 
feelings which animated, in a more intense degree, a great f 
majority of the people. In New England, associations, fori 
the purpose of resisting the law, were organized, assuming, 
from Barre's speech, the appellation of " Sons of Liberty ;" 
pamphlets were published vindicating the rights of the colo-- 
uies ; and the public journals were filled with essays pointings 
out the danger -which threatened the cause of libert}^ and en- 
couraging a bold and manly resistance. 

Excited by these publications, a multitude assembled in 
Boston, on the 14th of August, burned the effigy of Andrew 
Oliver, who had been ai)poiuted stamp distributor, and demo- 
molished a building which they supposed he had erected for 
his office. Fearful of further injury, JMr. Oliver declared his 
intention to resign, when the people desisted from molesting: 
him. 

Several days afterwards, a mob beset the house of Mr,! 
Story, an officer of the detested admiralty court. They broke 
his windows, destroyed his furniture, and burned his papers. 
They then proceeded to the house of Lieutenant-Governor 
Hutchinson, by M'hose advice, it was supposed, the stamp-act 
had been passed. They entered it by force. Himself, his 



THE UNITED STATES. 173 

wife, and children, fled. IUh elegant funiiture was carried 
pff or destroyed . The partitions of the house were broken 
down, and the next morning nothing but the bare and deso- 
late walls remained. 

When intelligence of these proceedings reached Newport, in 
Rhode Island, the people of that place assembled and com- 
mitted similar outrages. Two houses were pillaged, and the 
etamp distributor, to preserve his own, was obliged to give to 
the leader of the exasperated populace a written resignation 
of his office. In Connecticut, similar commotions were also 
quieted by the resignation of the distributor of stamps for that 
colony. 

In New York, the peojile displayed ec^ual spirit, but less 
turbulence and rage, 'hut obnoxious act was printed, under 
the title of" The Folly of England, and the Ruin of America," 
and thus exhibited for sale in the streets. At an early period, 
the stamp distributor prudently resigned his office ; and, when 
the stamped paper arrived, it was deposited for safe-keeping 
in the fort. A mob re(iuired the lieutenant-governor to place 
it in their hands. lie refused ; but, terrified by their menaces, 
consented to deliver it to the magistrates, who d(!posited it 
in the city hall. Ten boxes, which afterwards arrived, were 
eeized by the people, and committed to the flames. 

At a session of the superior court held at Perth Amboy, in 
New Jersey, the lawyers practising at that court united in 
declaring that thoy would not purchase nor use stamps, and 
that all the gold and silver in the colony was not sufficient to 
pay the duties for one year. The freemen of Essex county, 
having met in convention, resolved that they would " detest, 
abhor, and hold in contempt," all persons who would accept 
of any office under the act, or would take any advantage 
of it; and would have no communication with them, "un- 
less it be to inform them of their vileness." 

The assembly of Pennsylvania, being in session in Septem- 
ber, passed a series of r^jsolutions, in which they asserted the 
same rights that other colonies had claimed, and declared, 
moreover, " that to vest in courts of admiralty power to de- 
cide suits relating to the stamp act is highly dangerous to the 
liberties of his majesty's American subjects, and destructive of 
the trial by jury." When the ships bringing the stamped 
paper arrived in sight of Philadelphia, all the vessels in the 
harbour hoisted their colours half-mast high, and the bells 
were muffled and tolled. The citizens assembled, and pro- 
cured from Mr. Hughes, the stamp distributor, a promise that 
he would sell no stamps until the act had been put in execu* 
tion in the other colonies. 

In Virginia, public sentiment was manifested with ecpial 
distinctness. The justices of the court of Westmoreland 



174 HISTORY OF 

county resigned their offices, because they might be compelled, 
in obedience to their oaths, to aid in executing the stamp act ; 
and George Mercer, the stamp distributor, was induced to de- 
clare that he would not perform any official duty without the 
assent of the assembly. 

So general was the opposition to the law, that the stamp 
officers, in all the colonies, were compelled to resign, or en- 
gaged not to perform any official duty. In Boston, care was 
taken, on the one hand, to prevent the recurrence of violent 
proceedings, and, on the other, to keep in full vigour the spirit 
of resistance. A newspaper was established, having for its 
device a snake divided mto as many parts as there were colo- 
nies, and for its motto, *' Join or die." Mr. Oliver was re- 
quired to resign his office, with more ceremony and solemnity, 
under a large elm, which had, from the meetings held under 
it, received the name of the tree of liberty. 

In October, the Congress recommended by Massachusetts 
convened at New York. Delegates from six provinces only 
were present. Their first act was a Declaration of Rights, in 
which they asserted, that the colonies were entitled to all the 
rights and liberties of natural born subjects within the king- 
dom of Great Britain, the most essential of which were the 
exclusive right to tax themselves, and the privilege of trial by 
jury. A petition to the king, and a memorial to both houses 
of parliament, were also agreed on ; and the colonial assem- 
blies were advised to appoint special agents to solicit, iij 
concert, a redress of grievances. To interest the people of 
England in the cause of the colonies, the merchants of New 
York directed their correspondents, in that country, to pur- 
chase no more goods until the stamp act should be repealed. 
Immediately after, non-importation agreements were adopted 
in the other colonies, and associations were organized for the 
encouragement of domestic uanufactures. To avoid the ne- 
cessity of stamps, proceedings in the courts of justice were 
suspended, and disputes were settled by arbitration. 

In the mean time, an entire change had taken place in the 
British Cabinet, and a proposition to repeal the stamp act was, 
by the new ministry, laid before parliament. An interesting?- 
debate ensued. Mr. Grenville, the late prime minister, de- 
clared, that to repeal the act under existing circumstances, 
would degrade the government, and encourage rebellion. 
" When," he demanded, •' were the Americans emancipated? 
By what law, by what reason, do they ungratefully claim 
exemption from defraying expenses incurred in protecting 
them ?" 

William Pitt — he who had wielded, with such mighty effect, 
the power of England in the late war — rose to reply. He re- 
gretted that he had not been able to attend in his place, and 



THE UNITED STATES. 175 

oppose the law on its passage. " It is now an act that has 
passed. I would speak with decency of every act of this 
house ; but I must beg the indulgence of this house to speak of 
it with freedom. Assuredly a more important subject never 
engaged your attention ; that subject only excepted, when, 
nearly a century ago, it was the question whether you your- 
selves were bond or free ? 

" Those who have spoken before me, with so much vehe- 
mence, would maintain the act because our honour demands 
it. But can the point of honour stand opposed against justice, 
against reason, against right ? It is my opinion that England 
has no right to tax the colonies. At the same time, I assert 
the authority of this kingdom over the colonies to be sovereign 
and supreme, in every circumstance of government and legis- 
lation whatsoever. 

"■ Taxation is no part of the governing or legislative power. 
The taxes are a voluntary gift and grant of the commons alone ; 
when, therefore, in this house, we give and grant, we give 
and grant what is our own. But in an American tax, "«' hat 
do we do ? We, your majesty's commons of Great 7 tain, 
give and grant to your majesty — what ? Our own property ? 
No. We give and grant to your majesty the property of your 
commons in America. It is an absurdity in terms. 

"It has been asked, 'When were the Americans emanci- 
pated?' But I desire to know when they were made slaves. 
I hear it paid, that America is obstinate ; America is almost 
in an open rebellion. I rejoice that America has rfsisted. 
Three millions of people, so dead to all the feelings of liberty 
as voluntarily to submit to be slaves, would have been fit in- 
struments to make slaves of ourselves. 

" The honourable member has said, — for he is fluent in words 
of bitterness, — that America is ungrateful. He boasts of his 
bounties towards her. But are not these bounties intended 
finally for the benefit of this kingdom ? I'he profits of Great 
Britain, from her commerce with the colonies, are two mil- 
lions a year. This is the fund that carried you triumphantly 
through the last war. The estates that were rented at two 
* thousand pounds a year, seventy years ago, are at three thou- 
sand pounds at present. You owe this to America. This is 
the price she pays you for protection. 

" A great deal has been said without doors, and more than 
is discreet, of tiie power, of the strength of America. In a 
good cause, on a sound bottom, the force of this country can 
crush America to atoms. But on the ground of this tax, when 
it is wished to prosecute an evident injustice, I am one who 
will lift my hands and voice against it. In such a cause, 
your success would be deplorable, and victory hazardous. 
America, if she fell, would fall like the strong man. She 



176 HJSTORY «F 

would embrace the pillars of the state, and pull down the con- 
stitution along* with her." 

The sentiments of this great statesman prevailed in parlia- 
ment. The stamp act was repealed; but another act was 
passed declaring that "the legislature of Great Britain has 
authority to make laws to bind the colonies in all cases what- 
soever." The merchants of London rejoiced at this repeal. 
They had felt the effects of the colonial non-importation agree- 
ments, and dreaded that still more injurious consequences 
would follow. 

But far greater were the rejoicings of the Americans. They 
had obtained the object for which they had contended. They 
regarded the declaratory act as the mere reservation of 
wounded pride, and welcomed with transport the opportunity 
of again cherishing their former affection for the land of their 
fathers. The assemblies of several colonies voted their thanks 
to Mr. Pitt, and to others in England, who had supported 
their cause ; and that of Virginia resolved to erect an obelisk 
to their honour, and a marble statue of the king, as a memorial 
of gratitude. 

By the people of New England and New York less joy was 
felt and less gratitude displayed. The laws imposing duties 
on their trade were still in force. The courts of admiralty, 
sitting without juries, still retained jurisdiction of all revenue; 
causes. Their repeated contests with their governors had 
weakened their attachment to the nation that appointed them, 
and confirmed their republican principles. They still remem- 
bered the past and entertained suspicions of the future. 

The very next year, events occurred which justified these 
suspicions. A law of parliament, called the mutiny act, which 
yet remained in force, contained a provision that, whenever 
troops should be marched into any of the colonies, quarters, 
rum, and various necessary articles, should be furnished for 
them at the expense of the colony. So long as the troops sent 
over were employed to defend the colony, no complaint was 
made of this provision ; but this year, an additional body of 
troops being ordered to New York, the assembly, on the appli- 
cation of the governor, refused to comply with it, on the ground 
that, in effect, it taxed the people without their consent, and 
was therefore not obligatoiy. To punish this disobedience, 
parliament prohibited the assembly from passing any law un- 
til that provision of the mutiny act should be complied with. 
It was easily seen that nothing had been gained, if this power 
of suspending, for such a cause, the most important functions 
of a colonial legislature, existed, and could be exercised at 
pleasure. 

Another act, passed almost contemporaneously, confirmed 
their mispicions, and increased their alarm. The Rockingham 



THE UNITED HTATES. 177 

ministry, under whose auspices the stamp act had been re- 
pealed, had been dismissed, and another, of which tlie Dake 
of Grafton, General Conway, and Charles Townshend, were 
prominent members, had been appointed. The new ministry 
lound the treasury empty, provisions dear, the taxes burden- 
some, and the people discontented and riotous. In the dis- 
tresses of the nation, the people were dissatisfied that the 
colonies were not compelled to contribute their proportion ; 
the opposition in parliament echoed the complaints of the peo- 
ple, and Grenville, in one of his speeches, tauntingly told the 
ministry that they dared not tax them. Townshend, who was 
chancellor of the exchequer, wilUng to relieve his English 
fellow-citizens, and provoked by the taunt, immediately re- 
plied that he dared to tax them, and would tax them, believing 
it could be done in a way which would not conflict with their 
principles. 

He remembered that, in the late disputes, a distinction had 
been made by Mr. Pitt and some of the colonial writers be- 
tween internal and external taxes. Tiie stamp tax was then 
the principal topic of discussion ; that was an internal tax ; 
and the writers had contented themselves witli showing that 
it was, for that reason, unauthorized ; and i)ro]jably some had 
admitted that external taxes were not liable to the same ob- 
jection. He indulged the hope, therefore, that the colonies 
would submit to the latter, and soon after brought in a bill, 
which was passed in .June, 1767, imposing a duty on paper, 
glass, tea, and other enumerated articles, when im]Jorted into 
the colonies. The duty imposed on tea was three])ence a 
pound ; and to render this tax palatable, a drawback of a shil- 
ling a pound was allowed on the exportation of the tea from 
England ; thus in fact diminishin<j: the whole duty ninepence 
the pound, but providing that threepence should be paid in the 
colonial ports, where none had been paid before. And provi- 
sion was made that the duties collected should be expended in 
governing, protecting, and securing the colonies. 

It had always been difficult to collect duties, or in any way 
enforce the acts of trade, in the colonies. Distant from the 
mother country, and obnoxious to public odium, the custom- 
house officers acted without energy, and often connived at the 
violation of the laws. Parliament therefore passed another 
act, authorizing the appohitment of a board of commissioners 
of the customs in America, with extensive powers. It was 
determined that the place of their sessions should be at Bos- 
ton ; and in the beginning of November three of them arrived 
at that place, the other two being already there. They were 
regarded by the people as the instruments of usurped authority 
H 5 



178 HISTORY OF 

to enforce odious laws, luid their presence in the country in- 
creased the general irritation. 

Tae ueueral court oi' iMassachusetts did not now admit any 
distinction between external and interna, taxes. In January, 
176S. pursuinjf the same course as in I7r>4, they addressed a 
petition to the knig , and also a letter to their assent in London, 
containing many and able arguments against the duties im- 
posed, and requested him to communicate the letter to the 
ministry. They also sent to the other colonial assemblies a 
circular letter, in which those arguments were repeated, and 
suggested the expediency of acting in concert in all endeavours 
to obtain redress. 

These proceedings incensed and alarmed the ministry. They 
feared that a union of the colonies would give them strength 
and confidence, and determined, if possible, to prevent it. 
They instructed Sir John Bernard, then governor of Massachu- 
setts, to require the general court to rescind the vote directing 
the circular letter to be sent, and, in case of refusal, to dissolve 
it. The governor communicated these instructions to the house 
of representatives, which, by a vote of ninety-two to seven- 
teen, ivfus d to rescind, and was accordingly dissolved. In- 
structions were also sent to the governors of the other colonies, 
commanding them " to exert their utmost intiuence to defeat 
this tiagitious attempt to disturb the public peace, by prevail- 
ing on the several assemblies to take no notice of it, which 
will be treating it with the contempt it deserves." AVhatever 
eftorts were made by these governors, none or but few of them 
succeeded. Some of the assemblies addressed to the king pe- 
titions against the law; and from many, letters were sent to 
the general court oi' INIassachusetts, approving its proceedings. 
These attempts to intimidate did but strengthen opposition. 
Non-importation agreements were again resorted to. -In Au- 
gust, the merchants of Boston agreed not to import any goods 
from Great Britain, nor purchase such as should be imported 
for one year after the tirst day oi' the next January ; and not to 
import, nor purchase of any one who should import, from any 
other colony, paper, glass,'tea, &c., which had been imported 
from Great Britain ; and, soon after, the merchants of Connec- 
ticut and New York entered into similar agreements. 

The general court of Massachusetts being dissolved, the pa- 
ti-iots of Boston found that they could not pursue their usual 
mode of diffusing the principles of liberty and a knowledge of 
the designs of the ministry among the people, by means of their 
representatives. A town meeting was called, and a committee 
appointed, to request the govern* u' to issue precepts for the 
election of a new assembly^ He replied that he could issue no 
precepts until he had received his majesty's commands. The 
meeting thereupon chose a committee, consisting of their lato 



THE UNITED STATEH. J 79 

repreaontativeH, to act an dchjgatt'H to a colonial convention ; 
and tlio Ht'lect-men w<;ro itiHtructed to invit(;, by a circular, the 
other townH in tlic province to clioow; conimitfecH or fleiegatea. 
Nearly every town complied with the invitation. 'J'lie conven- 
tion met in Sepl«.'mher, and, lliough it disclaimed all legal au- 
thority, waH regarded with tlie Hame rei<p(;ct an a legitimate 
asHembly. lin procecdingH were unimportant; but, by itHHCH- 
HionH in the metrojKjliH of New England, the people became 
accustomed to pay deference to a body of men deriving all their 
authority from the innf ructions of their conntituentH. 

On «o many (K;caHioriH had the refractory spirit of the citizens 
of IJosfon be-en disjjl.iyed, that (ivuar.A (iage, who was com- 
mander-in-chief of all the troops in the coloni(;s, was ordered 
to station a regiment in th?it town, as well to overawe the 
citizens, as tu protect tlu; oflicers of the revenue in the discharge 
of their duty. Before the order was executed, the seizure of 
the sloop, Liberty, belonging to Mr. Hancock, a popular leader, 
occasioned a ri(jt, in which those oflicers were insulted and 
beaten. The general, on receiving information of this event, 
sent two reginx-nts, instead of one ; and on the lirst (jf Octo- 
ber they arrived in the harbour. 

'i'he ships that brought them, taking a station that com- 
manded the whole town, lay with their broadsides towards 
it, ready to fin?, should resistance be attenjpted. The troops, 
with loaded muskets and fixed bayona||u then landed; and, 
the select-men having refused to proviWquarters, they took 
possession of the state-house. All th(! rooms, except one re- 
served for the council, were filled, and two pieces of cannon 
were jjlaced near the [n'incip;il entrance. 

With indignant and exas[jerated feelings, the people wit- 
nessed this threatening disj^lay (A' military force. They saw 
the hall of their venerated legislature polluted by the tread of 
foreign mercenaries. They saw soldiers paradifig their streets, 
and guards mounted at the corners. They were challenged as 
they passed, and the unwelcome din of martial muwic often 
disturbed their repose. They knew that intimidation was the 
object, and felt a stronger determination to resi.st than had be- 
fore animated their bosoms. 

Upon the arrival of the troops at Boston, the commanding 
ofTicer had applii^l to Governor Bernard to ])rovide for them 
the articles mentioned in the mutiny ac(;. 'I'Ik; general court 
not being m session, he laid the applicatiini before the council, 
who advised him to authorize some person to supply them, 
" j)rovided such person will fake the risk of being jjaid by the 
province such sums as may be expended for that purpose." 
No person could be found, as the council well knew, who 
would take the risk; and the articles were provided at the 
charge of the crown. 



180 • HISTORY OF 

Resolutions, in the mean time, had been adopted in parlia- 
ment, censuring, in the strongest terms, the conduct of the 
people of Massachusetts, and directing the governor to make 
strict inquiry as to all treasons committed in that province 
since the year 1767, in order that the persons most active in 
committing them might be sent to England for trial. By these 
it was rendered sufficiently evident that Great Britain had de- 
termined to adhere to the system of measures she had adopted. 
In May, they were taken into consideration by the house of 
burgesses of Virginia. In sundry resolutions, they re-asserted 
the right of the colonies to be exempted from parliamentary 
taxation, and declared that seizing persons in the colonies, 
suspected of having committed crimes therein, and sending 
them beyond sea to be tried, violated the rights of British sub- 
jects, as it deprived them of the inestimable right of being 
tried by a jury of the vicinage, and of producing witnesses on 
their trial. 

While these resolutions were under discussion, the house, 
apprehensive of an immediate dissolution, should the subject 
of their deliberations be known to the governor, closed their 
doors. The instant they were opened a message was an- 
nounced, requesting their attendance before him. "Mr. 
Speaker," said he " and gentlemen of the house of burgesses, 
I have heard of your resolves, and augur ill of their eflPects. 
You have made it mgfcluty to dissolve you, and you are dis- 
solved accordingly.'* 

This, like every previous measure of intimidation, excited to 
a still higher degree the spirit of opposition. The members 
assembled at a private house, elected their speaker to preside 
as moderator, and unanimously formed a non-importation 
agreement similar to those previously adopted at th6 north. 
In a few weeks, the example of Virginia was followed by 
most of the southern colonies. 

At the time prescribed by the charter of Massachusetts for 
the election of representatives, only five of the seventeen re- 
scinders, but nearly all of the non-rescinders, were re-chosen. 
This very clearly indicated the sentiments of the great body of 
the people. At their session held in the summer of 1769, the 
governor, by message, desired them to make provision for pay- 
ing the expenses already incurred in supplying the troops with 
the articles mentioned in the mutiny act, and also for supply- 
ing them in future. In their answer, the house, after dwelling 
at length upon the provisions of the act, observe that " of all 
new regulations, the stamp act not excepted, this under con- 
sideration is most excessively unreasonable. For, in effect, 
the yet free representatives of the free assemblies of North 
America are called upon to repay, of their own and their con- 
stituents' money, such sums as persons over whom they can 



THE UNIT£D STATES. 181 

have no control, may be pleased to expend." And they closed 
by saying, " Your excellency must therefore excuse us in this 
express declaration, that, as we cannot, consistently with our 
honour or interest, and much less with the duty we owe our 
constituents, so we never shall, make provision for the purpose 
in your message mentioned." 

To the citizens of Boston, the troops quartered among them 
were a painful and irritating spectacle. Quarrels occurring 
daily between them and the populace, increased the animosity ' 
of each to ungovernable hatred. At length, on the evening of 
the fifth of March, an affray took place in King Street, (since 
called State Street,) in which a detachment of the troops com- 
manded by Captain Preston, after being insulted, pelted with 
snow-balls, and dared to fire, discharged their muskets upon 
the multitude, killing four persons and wounding others. 

The drums were instantly beat to arms, and several thousand 
people assembled, who, enraged by the sight of the dead 
bodies of their fellow citizens, slain in a cause dear to them 
all, prepared to attack a larger detachment, which had been 
sent to support their comrades. In this state of excitement, 
they were addressed by Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson, who 
appeared in the midst of them. Though personally obnoxious, 
he calmed their fury, and prevailed upon them to disperse until 
morning. 

The next day. Captain Preston and his party were arrested 
and committed to prison. The citizens met and appointed a 
committee to demand the immediate removal of the troops from 
the town. At this meeting, Samuel Adams, one of the earliest 
patriots, and even then avowing himself in favour of indepen- 
dence, was distinguished for his decision and boldness. After 
some hesitation on the part of the commanding officer, they 
were sent to Castle William, and were accompanied by several 
officers of the customs, who dreaded the indignation of the 
people. 

Three days afterwards, the funeral of the deceased took 
place. It was conducted with great pomp and unusual cere- 
monies, expressive of the public feeling. The shops were 
closed. The bells of Boston, Roxbury, and Charleston, 
were tolled. Four processions, moving from different parts of 
the town, met at the fatal spot, and proceeded thence towards 
the place of interment. This united procession comprised an 
immense number of people on foot and in carriages, all display- 
ing the deepest grief and indignation. The bodies were de- 
posited together in the same vault. 

When the passions of the people had in some degree sub- 
sided, Captain Preston and eight of his soldiers were brought 
to trial. They were defended by John Adams and Josiah 
Quincy, two able lawyers and distinguished leaders of the 



182 :^ISTORY OF 

popular party. For nearly six weeks the court were employed 
in examining witnesses and in listening to the arguments of 
counsel. Captain Preston, not having ordered his mtn to 
lire, was acquitted by the jury. Of the soldiers, six were 
also acquitted, there being no positive testimony that they 
jBred upon the people ; and two were acquitted of murder, as 
great provocation was offered, but found guilty of man- 
slaughter — a result evincing the integrity of the jury and the 
magnanimity and uprightness of the counsel for the accused. 

The unexpected opposition of the colonists to the new duties 
convinced the ministry that it was expedient to change their 
measures. Near the close of the year 1769, they, by circular 
letters to the several governors, which were published, de- 
clared that they had at no time entered a design to propose any 
further taxes upon the colonies, for the purpose of raising a 
revenue ; and that they intended to propose, at the next ses- 
sion of parliament, to take off the duties on glass, paper, and 
colours, ''upon consideration of such duties being contrary to 
the true principles of commerce." The reason assigned de- 
prived their declared intention of most of its merit. The mer- 
chants of Boston, in a general meeting, unanimously voted 
that repealing the duties on those articles only would not be 
satisfactory, and confirmed their former non-importation 
agreement. 

At the next session of parliament. Lord North, who had 
lately been appointed first minister, proposed a bill to repeal 
all the duties but that on tea. Some members of the opposi- 
tion strongly urged him to take off all the duties, and not pre- 
serve contention while he relinquished revenue. But ^'Can it 
be proper," he replied, " to acquiesce in the argument of ille- 
gality, and, by the repeal of the whole law, give up our 
power ? No. The ])roj)er time to exert our right of taxation 
is when the right is denied. A total repeal cannot be thought 
of until America is prostrated at our feet." The bill, as pro- 
posed, was passed by parliament, and on the 12th of April, 
1770, received the royal assent. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

REVOLUTION. 

The partial repeal of the revenue duties had no effect upon a 
large portion of the American people. Their resistance to the 
claims of Great Britain was founded on principle. They be- 
lieved that those claims were unfounded, and felt that to sub- 
mit to them would degrade them from the rank of freemen. 



THE UNITED STATES. 183 

They had become convinced that the prosperity of the colonies 
depended on their retaining the exclusive right to tax them- 
selves ; and the free and fearless discussions which had been 
carried on had even led them to the conclusion, to which they 
had no expectation of arriving when the disputes began, that, 
whatever might be the power of the king, the parliament had 
no right to legislate for the colonies in any case whatsoever. 
They believed that their assemblies were their own parliaments, 
the king standing in the same relation to them that he did to 
those of England and of Ireland. 

Individuals who entertained this opinion were found in all 
the colonies ; but they were much the m^^st numerous in New 
England. There, commercial restrictions were most sensibly 
felt ; there free principles were most early and most deeply 
implanted ; and there too prevailed, more than elsewhere, 
deep-rooted hostility to the Church of England, and real dread 
of being made subject to its power. The southern colonies 
were differently situated. In them but few were engaged in 
commerce ; they were settled by a different class of people ; 
in most of them the Church of England was established by 
law ; and the mass of the inhabitants were less conversant 
with political topics. 

A rigid adherence, for a long time, to the non-importation 
agreements, was perhaps more than could be expected of men 
living in distinct and remote communities, and accustomed to 
the luxuries and conveniences which could only be obtained 
from abroad. At first, they were faithfully observed; in time, 
a few transgressed ; reports were circulated in one city, pro- 
bably by the adherents of the royal cause, that another was 
faithless, and this was received as an excuse by the first to de- 
part from the compact. Before the close of the year 1770, the 
sternest patriots were obliged to consent that the agreements 
should be confined to the single article of tea, which should 
be excluded from the country so long as it should be liable to 
a duty. 

In Massachusetts, various causes contributed to prevent the 
restoration of tranquillity. Just before the repeal of the du- 
ties. Governor Bernard left the province, having taken leave of 
the house in an angry speech; and his duties devolved upon 
Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson. When the troops were in 
Boston, the house refused to transact any business while sur- 
rounded by a military force ; and, to remove the complaint, he 
had directed the clerk to adjourn them to Cambridge. Against 
this they remonstrated, and, though they held their sessions 
there, did little else than carry on a spirited controversy with 
the lieutenant-governor, upon the right of the executive to pre- 
scribe the place as well as the time of their meeting; and for a 
long time he positively refused to permit them to sit at Boston- 



184 HISTORY OF 

While they were in this state of irritation, he gave them a 
new occasion, which they seized with avidity, to remonstrate 
and condemn. He removed the provincial troops from the 
castle, and admitted into it a body of British troops, under 
the command of Colonel Dalrymple. They declared that sur- 
rendering the government of this fortress to the military power, 
independent of the civil power of the colony, was such an es- 
sential alteration of the constitution as most justly to alarm a 
free people. 

And before long another cause of dissatisfaction and contro- 
versy arose, which had a powerful influence in sundering the 
ties which had bound 4he colonists to the mother country. The 
governor, lieutenant-governor, and the judges of the superior 
court, had heretofore been paid out of the colonial treasury ; 
and the house possessed the power of voting annually such 
salaries as the conduct of those officers might seem to merit. 
At the last session before the departure of Bernard, they not 
merely neglected but refused to vote him any pay. In 1771, 
Mr. Hutchinson was appointed governor, Mr. Oliver lieuten- 
ant governor; and the Idng assigned to them and to the judges 
salaries greater than they had before received, to be paid out 
of the national treasury. By this measure, those officers were 
made dependent on the crown, and released from all depen- 
dence on the people. And when it was known that they had 
rejected the money of the people, and consented to receive that 
of the king, the house was unsparing in its sarcastic crimina- 
tions, and the colony resounded with one loud peal of indig- 
nation. 

To enforce the acts of trade and prevent smuggling, armed 
vessels were stationed on the American coast. Of these, the 
Gaspee, commanded by Lieutenant Duddington, cruised in the 
waters of Rhode Island. This officer had incurred the resent- 
ment of the traders, and of all who navigated those waters, 
by his vigilance, and more by haughtily requiring that every 
vessel, that came within reach of his guns, should strike her 
flag. A Providence packet came near with colours flying ; the 
Gaspee fired a shot, which was disregarded ; she then made 
sail in chase, and the packet designedly led her into shoal 
water, where she grounded. In the night, she was boarded 
by a large i^arty from Providence, set on fire, and burnt. A 
reward of five hundred pounds was offered to the person who 
should give information of any one concerned in the trans- 
action; and a special court was constituted, by the king, to 
try the offenders. No information was obtained, although the 
actors were known to many ; several persons were arrested 
and confined, that they might be examined as witnesses, but 
were set at liberty by the patriots ; and the special court, 
after two long sessions, was dissolved without accomplishing 



TH« UNITED STATES. 185 

any thing. The creation of this court by the king, while com- 
petent courts of justice existed in the colony, was complained 
of as a violation of the charter, and an arbitrary exercise of 
unconstitutional power. 

Samuel Adams has already been mentioned as one of the 
most resolute of the Boston patriots. He was educated for the 
ministry, but became a trader, though with small means ; and, 
relinquishing that pursuit, accepted the office of collector of 
town taxes. In him were concentrated the virtues and pecu- 
liarities of the Puritans. He was tenacious of his opinions, 
indefatigable in pursuing his purposes, unambitious of wealth, 
or office, pious, and thoughtful ; he associated with all, was in- 
timate with few, suggested expedients, and guided when he 
seemed to follow. For many years, he was a representative 
to the general court ; and most of the messages and remon- 
strances of the house — state papers scarcely etiualled in the 
English language — were from his pen. He lamented the pros- 
pect of returning quiet, for he feared it would give England 
an opportunity to destroy American liberty. Visiting his bro- 
ther patriot, James Warren, of Plymouth, they together con- 
certed a plan to restore animation to the contest. This was 
to procure the appointment, in every town, of committees of 
correspondence. He returned to Boston, and immediately be- 
gan, and by assiduous labour executed the plan. By the 
agency of these, resolutions and addresses, sometimes inflam- 
matory and always spirited, were speedily conveyed through 
the country, arousing the attention of all, and exhorting to 
perseverance in the cause of liberty. This example was soon 
after followed in other colonies; and, in 1 773, at the suggestion 
of the Virgina assembly, standing committees were appointed 
by the colonial legislatures, to correspond with each other. 
This institution, when more active opposition became neces- 
sary, was found extremely useful, and contributed, perhaps, as 
much as any other means, to accomplish the great object which 
its projectors aimed at. 

In this year, Dr. Franklin obtained in London a number of 
original letters from Governor Hutchinson, Lieutenant-Go- 
vernor Oliver, and others, to their correspondents in parlia- 
ment. In these letters, the opposition in Massachusetts was 
stated to be confined to a few factious individuals, who had been 
emboldened by the weakness of the means used to restrain 
them. Measures more vigorous were recommended ; and the 
ministry were urged to take from the people, and exercise 
themselves, the power of appointing councillors and all co- 
lonial magistrates. These letters he transmitted to Boston. 

The source and occasion of the offensive proceedings of 
parliament were now disclosed. The passions of the people 
were highly inflamed, and the weight of popular indigfuation 



186 HISTORY OF 

fell upon the authors of these letters. The central committee 
of correspondence, at Boston, sent printed copies, enclosed in 
a spirited circular, to all the towns in the province ; and the 
general court, in several resolutions, which were also pub- 
lished, animadverted with severity upon the misrepresentations 
and advice contained in the letters, thus increasing the irrita- 
tion which their discovery and perusal had occasioned. 

Meanwhile the tea of the East India Company, not finding 
a market in America, accumulated in their warehouses in Eng- 
land. Encouraged by the government, they resolved to ex- 
port it on their own account, and appointed consignees in the 
various seaports in the colonies. Those in Philadelphia were 
induced, by the disapprobation expressed by the citizens, to 
decline their appointment. In New York, spirited handbills 
were circulated, menacing with ruin every person who should 
be concerned in vendiiig tea, and requiring the i)ilots, at their 
peril, not to conduct shi})s, loaded with that article, into the 
harbour. Intimidated by these proceedings, the captains of 
the tea ships, bound to those ports, returned with their cargoes 
to England. 

In Boston, inflammatory handbills were also circulated, and 
meetings held ; but the consignees, being mostly relatives of 
the governor, and relying on his support, refused to decline 
their appointments. Their refusal enraged the citizens, and 
the community became agitated by the operation of highly-ex- 
cited passions. Meetings were more frecjuently held. The 
committees of correspondence were every where active. The 
people of the country exhorted their bretln-en in Boston to act 
worthy of their former character, worthy of " Sons of Liberty," 
upon wjiose conduct, in the present emergency, every thing 
depended. 

On the 29th of November, a shij) laden with tea came into 
the harbour. Notifications were immediately posted up in- 
viting every friend to his country to meet forthwith, and con- 
cert united resistance to the arbitrar^'^ measures of Britain. A 
crowded meeting was held, and a resolution adopted, " that' 
the tea should not be landed, that no duty should be paid, and 
that it should be sent back in the same vessel." A watch was 
also organized to prevent it from being secretly brought on 
shore. 

A short time was then allowed for the captain to prepare to 
return home with his cargo. Governor Hutchinson refused to 
grant him the retjuisite permission to })ass the castle. Other 
vessels, laden with tea, arrived. The agitation increased, and 
on the 18th of December, the inhabitants of Boston and the 
adjoining towns assembled to determine what course should 
be pursued. At this important meeting, Josiah Quincy, de- 
sirous that the consequences of the measures to be adopted 



THE UAITED STATES. 187 

should be first seriously contemplated, thus addressed his fel- 
low-citizens : — 

" It is not, Mr. Moderator, the spirit that vapours within 
these walla that will sustain us in the hour of need. The pro- 
ceedings of this day will call forth events which will make a 
very different s[)irit necessary for our salvation. Whoever sup- 
poses that shouts and hosannas will teruiinate our trials, en- 
tertains a childish fancy. We must be grossly ignorant of the 
value of the prize for which we contend ; we must be equally 
ignorant of the power of those who have combined against 
u« ; we must be blind to that inveterate malice and insatiable 
revenge which actuate our enemies, abroad and in our bosom, 
— to hope that we shall end this controversy without the 
sharpest, sharpest conflicts, or to flatter ourselves that popular 
resolves, poj)ular harangues, and popular acclamations, will 
vanquish our foes. Let us consider the issue ; let us look to 
the end ; let us weigh and deliberate, before we advance to 
those measures which must bring on the most trying and ter- 
rible struggle this country ever saw." 

In the evening, the (luestion was put, " Do you abide by 
your former resolution to prevent the landing of the tea?" 
The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Apj)lication was 
again made to the governor for a pass. After a short delay, 
his refusal was communicated to the assembly. Instantly a 
person, disguised like an Indian, gave the war-whoop from the 
gallery. At this signal, the people rushed out of the house 
and hastened to the wharves. About twenty persons, in the 
dress of Mohawks, boarded the vessels, and, protected by the 
crowd on shore, broke open three hundred and forty-two 
chests of tea, and emptied their contents into the ocean. Their 
purpose accomi)lished, the multitude returned without tumult 
to their habitations. 

These proceedings excited the anger of parliament and the 
displeasure of the British nation. Punishment, not a change 
of measures, was resolved upon. An act prohibiting the land- 
ing of any goods at Boston, and removing the custom-house 
and seat of government to Salem, was passed, and was to con- 
tinue in force until compensation should be made for the tea 
destroyed ; another act was passed taking from the general 
court and giving to the crown the appointment of councillors, 
and vesting in the governor alone the appointment of all colo- 
nial officers; and a third, declaring that, without leave in 
writing from the governor, no town meeting should be held 
in any town in Massachusetts, except for the choice of of- 
ficers or representatives, and at such meetings " no other mat- 
ter should be treated of." And General Gage was made go- 
vernor in the place of Mr. Hutchinson. 

Intelligence of the Boston port bill occasioned a meeting of 



188 HISTORY OF 

the citizens of the town ; they were sensible that " the most 
trying and terrible struggle" was indeed now approaching, 
but felt unawed by its terrors. They sought not to shelter 
themselves from the storm by submission, but became more 
resolute as it increased. They declared the act to be unjust 
and inhuman, and invited their brethren in the other colonies 
to unite with them in a general non-importation agreement. 

A similar spirit pervaded and animated the whole country. 
Addresses from the adjacent towns, and from every part of 
the continent, were sent to the citizens of Boston, applauding 
their resolution, exhorting them to perseverance, and assuring 
them that they were considered as suffering in a common 
cause. In Virginia, the first day of June, when the law be- 
gan to operate, was observed as a public and solemn fast. 
With devout feelings, the divine interposition was implored, 
in all the churches, to avert the evils of civil war, and to give 
to the people one heart and one mind, finally to oppose every 
invasion of their liberty. 

The same day was observed, with similar solemnity, in 
most of the other colonies ; and thus an opportunity was pre- 
sented to the ministers of the gospel to dispense political in- 
struction, to paint, in vivid colours, the sufferings of the citi- 
zens of Boston, and to warn their congregations, that, should 
Great Britain succeed in her schemes, the danger to their re- 
ligious would be as great as to their civil privileges ; that a 
tame submission to the will of parliament would inevitably be 
followed by bishops, tithes, test acts, and ecclesiastical tri- 
bunals. 

An act of parliament, then recently passed, had excited the 
religious as well as political jealousy of the people. It so ex- 
tended the boundaries of the province of Quebec as to include 
all the territory north of the Ohio, which was claimed by Vir- 
ginia, and so much of what then belonged to Massachusetts as 
lay between the high lands in the north part of Maine and the 
St. Lawrence ; it established a legislative body, for the pro- 
vince, to consist of a council only to be appointed by the king ; 
Roman Catholics were permitted to hold a seat in it ; Catholic 
priests were allowed to collect tithes from all of that faith ; 
and in civil causes, trials by jury, in compliance with French 
usages and prejudices, were dispensed with. 

The Boston port bill occasioned distress as severe as the 
ministry could have expected or intended. Nearly all were 
compelled to be idle. Many, by loss of employment, lost their 
sole means of support. In this extremity, contributions in 
money and provisions were forwarded to them from all the 
colonies, as proofs of sympathy in their distresses, and of ap- 
probation of their having met and manfully withstood the first 
shock of arbitrary power. 



THK UNITED STATES, 189 

Gradually and constantly had the minds and feelings of the 
Americans been preparing for this important crisis. That en- 
thusiastic patriotism which elevates the soul above all con- 
siderations of interest or danger had now become their ruling 
passion. The inhabitants of iSalem spurned advantages to be 
derived from the punishment inflicted on a sister town, for its 
zeal in a sacred and common cause. '^ We must," said they, 
in a remonstrance to the governor, "be dead to every idea of 
justice, lost to all feelings of humanity, could we indulge one 
thought to seize on wealth, and raise our fortunes from the 
ruin of our suffering neighbours." 

In June, the general court assembled at Salem ; and among 
their first acts were, the recommendation of a Continental con- 
gress, which had been suggested by the committee of corres- 
pondence in Virginia, and the choice of delegates to attend it. 
While engaged, with closed doors, in this business. Governor 
Gage, who had received private intimation of their purposes, 
dissolved the court by a proclamation, which was read upon 
the steps. In all the other colonies, except Georgia, delegates 
were also chosen. 

It would be unjust to those who were distinguished mem- 
bers of this congress, and continued active in the cause of 
liberty, to pass on without recording their names. John Sulli- 
van, of New Hampshire ; Samuel Adams and John Adams, 
of Massachusetts ; Stephen Hopkins, of Rhode Island ; Roger 
Sherman, of Connecticut; John Jay, of New York; Wil- 
liam Livingston, of New Jersey ; John Dickinson, Thomas 
Mifflin, and George Ross, of Pennsylvania; Csesar Rodney 
and Thomas M'Kean, of Delaware ; Samuel Chase, of Mary- 
land ; Peyton Randolph, Richard II. Lee, George Washing- 
ton, and Patrick Henry, of Virginia ; Henry Middleton and 
John Rutledge, of South Carolina, were members. The whole 
number was fifty-one. 

On the fifth of September, 1774, this congress met at Phila- 
delphia. Peyton Randolph was unanimously elected presi- 
dent, and Charles Thompson secretar3^ It was determined 
that each colony should have but one vote, whatever might be 
the number of its delegates ; that they should sit with closed 
doors ; and that all their transactions, except such as they 
should resolve to publish, should be kept secret. 

Resolutions were then adopted, expressing the sympathy of 
congress in the sufferings of their countrymen in Massachusetts, 
and highly approving the v/isdom and fortitude of their con- 
duct. They declared that every person, who should accept of 
any commission under the act changing the form, of govern- 
ment in Massachusetts, " ought to be held in abhorrence, and 
considered as the wicked tool of that despotism which was 
preparing to destroy those rights which God, nature, and 



190 HIStORY Of 

compact, had given to America." They also resolved that 
the importation of goods from Great Britain should cease on 
the first day of the succeeding Decemher, and all exports to 
that country on the tenth of September, 1775, unless American 
grievances should be sooner redressed. And feeling the incon- 
sistency of dealing in slaves, while professing attachment to 
liberty, they also resolved that, after the tirst of December, 
they would not import any slave, nor purchase any imported 
by others. These resolutions possessed no legal force ; but 
never were laws more faithfully observed. 

In other resolutions, they enumerated certain rights, which, 
as men and English subjects, " they claimed, demanded, and 
insisted on " These rights were, in most respects, the same 
as those claimed by the colonial assemblies. Going farther 
than some of them, the congress claimed for them the exclu- 
sive right of internal legislation ; and not so far as others, it 
yielded to parliament the right to regulate external commerce. 
The several acts of parliament, violating the rights claimed, 
were then enumerated, and the repeal of them declared to be 
" essentially necessary to restore harmony between Great 
Britain and the colonies." Addresses to the people of Great 
Britain, to the inhabitants of Canada, and to their constituents, 
were prepared and published ; and an affectionate petition to 
the king was agreed on. 

In these able and important state papers, the claims, prin- 
ciples, and feelings, of their constituents are clearl}' and elo- 
([uently set forth. They glow with the love of liberty ; they 
display a determination, too firm to be shaken, to defend and 
preserve it at every hazard ; they contain the strongest pro- 
fessions of attachment to the mother country, and of loyalty 
to the king. x\. desire of independence is expressly disavowed. 
" Place us," says the congress, " in the situation we were in 
at the close of the last war, and our former harmony will be 
restored." " We ask," say they in their petition, " but for 
peace, liberty, and safety. "NVe wish not a diminution of the 
prerogative, nor do we solicit the grant of any new right in 
our favour. Your royal authority over us, and our connection 
with Great Britain, we shall always carefully and zealously 
endeavour to support and maintain." 

These papers, going forth to the world, made the cause of 
the colonists known throughout Europe, and conciliated those 
who had embraced liberal principles in politics, or felt dis- 
pleasure at the pride and haughtiness of Britain. Their tone 
of manly energy, and the knowledge they displayed of political 
science, excited universal applause and admiration. 

" \Vhen your lordships," said IMr. Pitt, in the Britisli senate, 
" have perused the papers transmitted to us from America ; 
when 3'ou consider the dignity, the firmness, and the wisdom. 



THE UNITED STATES. l9l 

with which the Americans have acted, — you cannot but respect 
their cause. History, my lords, has been my favourite study; 
and in the celebrated writings of aTiti([uity I liave often ad- 
mired the patriotism of Greece and Rome ; but, my lords, I 
must declare and avow, that in the master states of the world, 
I know not the peuple nor the senate, who, in such a compli- 
cation of difficult circamstances, can stand in preference to 
the delegates of America assembled in general congress at 
Philadelphia. I trust that it is obvious to your lordships, that 
all attempts to impose servitude upon such men, to establish 
despotism over such a mighty continental nation, must be 
vain, must be futile." 

The resolve of the congress to sit with closed doors has 
withheld from the historian the power of describing the de- 
portment and eloquence of the members, and of assigning to 
each that rank among those fearless patriots which his talents 
and zeal entitled him to hold. When only glimpses can be 
afforded, they will not therefore be considered beneath the 
dignity of history. Among the members not named was 
Joseph Galloway, of Pennsylvania. He afterward deserted 
the cause, and went to England, where he published a work 
on the " American Rebellion." In speaking of this congress, 
he says of Samuel Adams, '' He eats little, drinks little, sleeps 
little, thinks much, and is most indefatigable in the pursuit of 
his object. It was this man, who, by his superior application, 
managed' at once the factions in congress at Philadelphia, and 
the factions of New England." Of John Adams it is related, 
that, when advised by a friend not to accept of the appoint- 
ment of delegate, as Great Britain was determined to subdue 
the colonies, and her power was irresistible, he replied that, 
" as to his fate, the die was cast ; the Rubicon was passed ; 
sink or swim, live or die, — to survive or perish with his coun- 
try was his unalterable resolution." When Patrick Henry re- 
turned home, he was asked whom he thought the greatest man 
in the congress. " If you speak of eloquence," he replied, not 
thinking what rank others might assign to himself, " Mr. Rut- 
ledge is by far the greatest or;\tor; but if you speak of solid 
information and sound judgment, Colonel Washington is un- 
questionably the greatest man." It is known that .John Adams 
and Patrick Henry were then of opinion that the contest must 
ultimately be decided by force; and that Washington and Lee 
thought that the measures then adopted would obtain a redress 
of grievances. 

In America, the proceedings of congress were read with en- 
thusiasm and veneration. Their reasonings confirmed the con- 
viction, strongly felt by nearly the whole people, of the per- 
fect justice of their cause. In the address to themselves, they 
were admonished " to extend their views to mournful events. 



192 HISTORY OP 

and to be in all respects prepared for every contingency." 
Great efforts were consequently made to provide arms and all 
the munitions of war. Independent companies were formed ; 
voluntary trainings were frequent ; the old and the young, the 
rich and the poor, devoted their hours of amusement and of 
leisure to exercise calculated to fit them to act a part in the 
anticipated conflict. The country was alive with the bustle 
of preparation, and in every countenance could be read the 
expectation of important transactions, in which all must par- 
ticipate. 

Complete unanimity, however, did not exist. Some of the 
late emigrants from England, the most of those who held 
offices by her appointment, many whose timidity magnified her 
power, clung to her authority, and, as the crisis approached, 
declared themselves her adherents. These were denominated 
tories ; the friends of liberty, whigs — names by which the ad- 
vocates of arbitrary power, and the friends of constitutional 
liberty, were distinguished in England. 

General Gage, who had been recently appointed governor of 
Massachusetts, withdrew, from other posts on the continent, 
several regiments of troops, and encamped them on the Com- 
mon, in Boston. He afterwards erected fortifications on the 
Neck, a narrow isthmus which unites the town with the main 
land ; and on the night of the first of September, he seized the 
powder deposited in the provincial arsenal at Cambridge. 

The people, meanwhile, were not idle. They appointed 
delegates to a provincial congress, which assembled in the 
beginning of October. Mr. Hancock was chosen president ; 
and the delej^ates resolved, that, for the defence of the 
province, a military force, to consist of one fourth of the 
militia, should be organized and stand ready to march at a 
minute's warning ; that money should be raised to purchase 
military stores ; and they appointed a committee of supplies, 
and a committee of safety, to sit during the recess. 

The most sonthern provinces, particularly Pennsylvania, 
Virginia, and IMaryland, dis])layed the same love of liberty 
and determined to resist ; provincial congresses were con- 
vened, committees appointed, and resolutions passed, designed 
and adapted to animate those wdio, in Massachusetts, stood in 
the post of danger, and to excite in all hearts that devotion 
to country which is alone cai)able of sustaining a people in an 
arduous struggle with a superior foe. 



THE UNITED STATES. 193 

CHAPTER XIX. 

KEVOLUTIONAEY WAR. 

Xn the parliament of Great Britain, American affairs came on 
to be discussed in the beginning of the year 1775. At the 
opening- of the session, in the preceding November, the king 
had indicated, with sufficient clearness, his own feelings, by 
announcing that " a most daring spirit of resistance and dis- 
obedience to the laws still unhappily prevailed in the province 
•of Massachusetts, and had broken forth in fresh violences of a 
very criminal nature ; that these i)roceedings had been coun- 
tenanced in other colonies ; and unwarrantable attempts had 
been made to obstruct the commerce of his kingdoms by un- 
lawful combinations." Addresses to the king, echoing the 
•sentiments of the speech, Vv^ere, after long and spirited de- 
bates, agreed to in both houses. 

Soon afterwards, the proceedings of the congress at Phila- 
clelphia arrived in England. Mr. Pitt, who had been created 
Lord Chatham, and had long retired from public life, now re- 
sumed his seat in the hoUle of lords, and moved an address to 
the king, praying him, in order to open the way to a happy 
settlement of the dangerous troubles in America, to give 
■orders to General Gage to remove the troops from Boston ; 
and he supported his motion by one of his most eloquent 
speeches. It was opposed by the ministry, and rejected by a 
large majority. 

lie made, hovvever, another effort. He presented a bill 
setting forth, in detail, his plan for " settling the troubles in 
the colonies, " the principal features of which were, asserting 
the supreme legislative authority of parliament, and relin- 
quishing in effect the right of taxation. Had it passed, it 
would not, probably, have satisfied the colonies. Lord Sand- 
wich moved that it should be immediately " rejected with the 
contempt it deserved. I cannot believe," said he, " that it is 
the production of a British pen. I fancy I have in my eye" 
(turning to Dr. Franklin, who was in the lobby) " the person 
who drew it up, one of the bitterest and most mischievous 
enemies this country ever knew." Lord Chatham replied that 
the plan was entirely his own ; and this declaration he felt 
the more bound to make, because it had been so severely cen- 
sured. " But," said he, " if I were the first minister of this 
country, I should not be asliamed of calling publicly to my 
assistance a person so perfectly acquainted with the whole of 
American affairs as the gentleman alluded to ; one whom all 
I 



194 HISTORY OF 

Europe holds in estimation for his knowledge and wisdom, 
and ranks with our Newtons and Boyles ; who is an honour, 
not to the English nation only, but to human nature. The 
bill was rejected at the first reading, the lords not being dis- 
posed even to consider it. 

The principal trading and manufacturing towns in the 
kingdom, which were sulfenng from the effects of the non- 
importation agreements, poured in their petitions in favour 
of conciliation with the colonies; the Quakers appealed to 
parliament in behalf of their brethren of Nantucket; Franklin, 
Bollan, and Lee, rei^uested to be hoard at the bar of the house 
before decisive measures were adopted ; but the ministry, be- 
fore they heard, proceeded at once to condemn and to punish. 
It is now believed that they acted according to the explicit 
commands of the king ; and the vacillation apparent in the 
councils of the nation at this period must doubtless be at- 
tributed to difference of opinion, and feelings between him and 
them. They introduced a bill confining the trade of the 
colonies of New England to Great Britain, Ireland, and the 
West Indies, and prohibiting those colonies from fishing on 
the Banks of Newfoundland ; and soon after they introduced 
another, subjecting the trade of all the colonies represented 
in the late congress, except New York and North Carolina, 
to the same restriction. Why North Carolina was excepted 
is not known. That favour was extended to New York, be- 
cause the assembly of that colony, less patriotic than the 
people, had refused to send delegates to the congress, — those 
who went being chosen at county meetings, — and had after- 
wards, by a small majority, refused to accede to the non- 
importation agreements proposed by that body. 

At the same session. Lord North, to the surprise of many 
of the supporters of parliamentary supremacy, proposed his 
conciliatory plan. It provided that if any colony would en- 
gage to contribute a sum satisfactory to his majesty, for the 
common defence, the parliament would forbear to tax that 
colony so long as the contribution should be punctually paid. 
At first, some of his supporters, believmg that it yielded too 
much, opposed it ; but an intiirration being given that the 
object of the plan was to weaken the colonies by dividing 
them, it was adopted by the usual majority. Appi'opriations 
were afterwards made for enlarging the naval and military 
force ; and several ships of the line and ten thousand ti-oops 
were sent to America. 

Mr. Bnrke and Mr. Hartley brought forward plans of con- 
ciliation; but both were rejected. The debates on these several 
qtrestions were long, able, and occasionally ill tempered 
and violent. In favour of measures of coercion and punish- 
ment, it was urged, that the colonists had lately evinced a 



THE UNITED STATES. 195 

spirit of independence, and it was necessary to crush this 
spirit m Its birth ; that they began by denying the right of 
parliament to impose internal taxes, then to impose either 
internal or external taxes, and now to legislate for them in 
any case, whatsoever ; that as government yielded they had 
advanced, at every surrender higher claims had been asserted, 
and a crisis had now arrived when the only question was, 

J^hall an effort be made to enforce obedience, or shall all 
power over them be relinquished for ever?" that it would be 
disgraceful to Englishmen to permit the empire to be dis- 
membered without a struggle; that it was just that they 
should pay the taxes imposed, as they now contributed less 
m proportion to their wealth than the inhabitants of Great 
tJritain ; that the measures proposed were neither unjust nor 
cruel, as they were legitimate means to enforce obedience 
to just laws; that their very severity made tliem expedient, 
as the greater the suffering, the sooner would it compel sub- 
mission ; that the Americans were incited to resistance bv 
tactious partisans at home, were cowardly, spiritless, constitu- 
tionally feeble, incapable of discipline, and nothing but stern 
resolution and united efforts were necessary to insure success. 

1 he speakers on the other side contended, that the course 
pursued towards the colonies, since the close of the war with 
trance, was inconsistent with the free principles of the En-- 
hsh constitution ; that the conduct of the Americans was such 
as ought to be expected from the descendants of Englishmen, 
+1? .""^ It ^ '''^*"'''' *^ ^^ ''^'^^^^ '^'^^^ vindictive punishment 
l.th,l 1 f *f P^-f ^.' industry, and braverv, they had con- 
fW fMi ""'^^^^ H f^^''^^^^^' a"d glory of the nation; that 
they still possessed loyalty to the king, and, until parliament 
began t<) tax them, displayed devoted loyalty in all their ac- 
tions ; that the measures proposed were cruel, because to ex- 
clude the people of New England from the fisheries would be 
, to deprive many of the means of living, and unjust, because 
the innocent were involved in suffering witli the guilty ; that 
they were impolitic, because their effect would be to diminish 
the commerce of England, and deprive the debtors of English 

tiy would be to ruin it, to cut down the tree which had yielded 
fl?p^ i ^""^ i ^^^^ .b^^^^'^^e an opportunity would be given to 
then hereditary rival to interfere in a family quarrel, effect 
Zgr'.lT '""' '^ '^'' '"i^"^' ^"^ glory Vthe national 

At the close of the last of the several debates, a young no- 
bleman of the highest rank, who had never before spoken, took 
L'l''P??'Ti'''''i^^? "^^^^ ^"' sentiments on so important anues- 
fcion ^He disclaimed every idea of policy and of ri-ht in- 
ternally to tax America. He disavowed the whole system. It 



19(3 HISTORY OF 

was commenced in iniquity, pursued in resentment, and could 
terminate in nothing but blood." . -a ^ 

In the house of commons, upon the several questions decided, 
the votes on ihe ministerial side varied from 304 to lb8 ; on 
that of the Whigs or opposition, from 106 to 58, about three to 
one. In the house of lords, the proportion in favour ot minis- 
ters was greater. T X 1 ^.^^f.^ 

In America, the friends of liberty continued to be watchtul 
and active. To be prepared for the worst, they gathered from 
all quarters arms and military stores. The people around Bos- 
ton withheld from the royalists such articles as were needed 
for the support of the troops ; and the merchants of New \ ork 
and Philadelphia refused to supply them. When intelligence 
was received of the proceedings in parliament, many ot the 
inhabitants of Boston (piitted it, and sought a residence in the 

^^A\ew Provincial congress had been elected in Massachu- 
setts, and met on the 1st of February. They directed the 
committee of supplies " to purchase all the powder they could, 
and also all kinds of warlike stores, sufficient for an army ot 
fifteen thousand men." For such as had been, or should be, 
purchased, Concord, about twenty miles from Boston, was 
appointed one of the places of deposit. In eacTi of the towns 
of Charlestown, Cambridge, and lloxbury, two men were sta- 
tioned to watch the movements of the troops in Boston; ex- 
presses were kept in readiness to convey intelligence into tlie 
country ; and private signals were agreed on. 

Samuel Adams and John Hancock had retired to Lexington. 
A '' daughter of lii)erty," the wife of a royalist, sent privately 
a message to the former that a body of troops would leave- 
Boston in a few days. On the 18th of April, a number of Bri- 
tish officers placed themselves on the various routes to Concord 
to intercept such expresses as the whigs might send into the ' 
country. Late in the evening, a body of eight hundred troops - 
began their march towards Concord. Expresses were imme- 
diately despatched ; several were intercepted; but one, sent 
bv Dr Warren, who remained in Boston, succeeded m passing 
the officers. The ringing of bells and the firing of signal guns : 
brought the minute-men together. Early next morning, those 
of Lexington assembled on the green near the meetmg-house. 
A few mfnutes afterwards, the advanced body of the regulars 
approached within musket-shot. Major i^i^cairn, riding for- 
ward, exclaimed, - Disperse, you rebels ; throw down your- 
r^^ms and disperse." Not beiug instantly obeyed, he discharged 
his pistol, and ordered his men to fire. They hred and killed 
several. The militia dispersed ; but the fmng continued. In: 
the whole, eight were killed, some of whom were shot m their 
concealment behind the fences. 



THE UNITED STATES.' 197 

The detachment proceeded to Concord. The minute-men 
of that town had also assembled ; but, being few in number, 
they retired on the approach of the regulars. These entered 
the town, and destroyed the provisions and stores. The mi- 
nute-men were reinforced, and advanced again towards the 
regulars. A skirmish ensued, in which. Captain Davis, of Ac- 
ton, was killed. The British troops were compelled to retreat, 
leaving behind them several killed and wounded. 

The whole country was now in arms, and the troops re- 
treated with precipitation. The militia not only pressed upon 
their rear, but placed themselves singly behind trees and stone 
walls, and, from these secure coverts, fired upon them as they 
passed. At Lexington, they met a reinforcement under Lord 
Percy, which General Gage had despatched on receiving in- 
formation of the occurrences there in the morning. 

After resting a moment, the whole body proceeded towards 
Boston. In their progress they were more and more harassed 
by the provincials, whose number hourly increased, and who 
became in proportion more adventurous. Having an intimate 
knowledge of all the roads, they could pursue with less fa- 
tigue, and meet the enemy unexpectedly at the various wind- 
ings ; and, being all experienced marksmen, their shots seldom 
failed of effect. At sunset, the regulars, almost overcome 
with fatigue, passed along Charlestown Neck, and found on 
Bunker's Hill a place of security and repose. 

In this engagement, sixty-five of the royal forces were 
killed, one hundred and eight}'- wounded, and twenty-eight 
made prisoners. Of the i)rovincials, fifty were killed, thirty- 
four were wounded, and four were missing. The killed were 
lamented and honoured as the first martyrs in the cause of li- 
berty. In the various sections of country from which they 
came, hatred of Great Britain took still deeper root ; and New 
England, connected more than any other part of the world, as 
one great family, by the closest intimacy of all the inhabitants, 
universally felt the deprivation with a mixed feeling of sorrow 
and rage. 

Intelligence of the battle of Lexington spread rapidly through 
Massachusetts and the adjoining provinces. The farmer left 
his plough in the furrow, the mechanic dropped the utensil in 
his hand, and, seizing their arms, all hastened to the environs 
of Boston. In a few days, a large army was assembled, 
which, under the command of General Ward, of Massachu- 
setts, and General Putnam, of Connecticut, closely invested 
the town, and alarmed General Gage for the safety of his 
garrison. 

In the remoter provinces, the intelligence was considered 
of solemn and alarming import. The great drama was opened, 
end the part which each should take must immediately be 



198 HISTORY OF 

chosen. By many a resort, io arms had never been anticipated. 
To them the decisimi was more jn\iiitul ; but in nil the coU>nies 
it had the etVeet io inlhime the determined, and to arouse in 
others the hitent Kne of liberty. In New York, rhiladi^lpliia, 
and Baltimore, the people, assemblinj?, prohibited the depar- 
ture of ^ essels to places friendly to the royal cause ; and no 
commander dared to sail. In New Jersey, they took jjosses- 
sion of the money, then large in amount, in the public treasury. 
In Maryland and Houth tlarolina, the royal magazines were 
forcibly entered, and their contents seized for the use of the 
whigs. 

The assembly of Pennsylvania was at that time in session. 
On the (Uh of ]May, they elected Dr. Franklin, who returned 
on the r>th from England, an additional deputy to the next 
Continental congress, .lohn IVnn, one of the proprietors, was 
then gOAcrnor. lie was sup})i>sed to be not unfriendly to the 
American cause ; but, in obedience to instructions, he laid be- 
fore them the conciliatory plan of Lord North, and observed 
to them that, " as they were the tirst assembly to M'hom it had 
been communicated, they would deservedly be revered by the 
latest posterity, if by any means they could be instrumental 
in restoring public trantpiillity, and rescuing both countries 
from the horrors oi' a civil war." They replied, that " they 
chose to leaAO the character of the ]ilan to be determined by 
the governor's good sense ; but, if it Avere unexceptionable, 
they should esteem it dishonourable io adopt it, without the 
advice and consent ot^ their sister colonies, who, united by 
just motives and mutual faith,, Avere guided by general 
councils." 

Connecticut had poured forth her full proportion of hardy 
yeomanry to man the lines around Boston; but several, who 
remained at home, conceived the project of surprising Ticon- 
deroga, a fortilied post on the western shore of Lake Cham- 
plain, and connnandiug the entrance into Canada. They com- 
municated their design to Colonel Ethan Allen, of Vermont, 
who, upon their arrival at Castleton with forty men, met them 
there at the head of two hundred and thirty (iroen INIountain 
boya- The next day, Ca])tain Benedict Arnold, of Connecticut, 
who, upon the tirst alarm, had hastened to Boston, arrived 
from that place, having conceived the same project, and been 
authorized, by the connnittee of safety in Massachusetts, to 
undertake it. 

Allen and Arnold, at the head of the Green Mountain boys, 
hastened to Ticonderoga, and the remainder of the party to 
Skeensborough. On the night of the Sith of May, about eighty 
— all that the boats could carry — crossed the lake, and, at 
dawn of day, lauded near the fortress. They advanced to the 
gateway. A sentinel snapped his fusee at Colonel xUlen, and 



TIfK rJNITKD HTATKrt. 19!) 

retreated. 'I'Ik; AmcricariH, folio wir){?, found the commander 
in bed. (•oloncl Alleti rlnrnaruled tlio Hurrender of the fort. 
"By wl)at authority do you d(!mand it?" "In the name," 
replied Alhm, *'of the ^i^'-f^t Jehovah and th(j ('ontinental con- 
grcHH." The Uritinh officer, havinf< but fifty men, Haw that 
resirttance would be in vain, and a{?reed to «urrenc]er. 

When th(! remainder of th(! party arrivrjd, tliey were de.s- 
patched, unr](;r C,'(;]onel Hcith Warner, to tak<; posneHHion of 
Crown Point; and Arnolrl, liaHtily mannitif< a Hchooner, Hailed 
to capture a Hloop-of-war lyin^j at the outlet of the lak(,*. 
TheHC two exficrlitiorjH, an well aw that aj^aiuHt Skeensborouj^h, 
were Huccessful ; arid thuH wan obtained, without bloodHh(;d, 
the command of those; important pontH, tofrether with more 
than one hundnjd {)i(M;e« of cannon, and othc.-r munitiouH of 
war. 'I'h(* unexficcted n(;wH of thin brilli;int HUCceKH imparted 
high(!r courage and animation to thf; Americann. 

MoHt of th(! militia, who had repaired to Honton, returned 
Hoon after to their homcH; but a Huflicient number nimained, 
poflted near tlu; Neck, to pnsvent th(! JiritiHh from leaving the 
town by land. Hf'tween detachm^'ntH from thene and j>artieH 
of n^guIarH, who wen; went to collect forage on the iHlands in 
th(! harbour, frequent nkirmiHlieH took jjlace, in moHt of which 
the Americans w(.'re Hucc(;KHful. 

In the beginning of .Fune, neveral trannportw, filhul with 
troopH, commanded by Cifjueraln Howe,('linton, and liurgoyne, 
arriv(!d from England, and ^jeneral (iage began to act with 
more dc^cinion and vigour, lb; iwHued a firoclamation, declar- 
ing those; in armH, :iiid all who aided them, rebelw and traitors, 
and tlir{!at(med to puninh them as such, unlens they immedi- 
ately n!turn(Ml to their pc^aceful occujiationn. lie. promiHed 
hJB majeHty'H pardon to all who Hhould in thiw manner give 
proof of th(;ir nspentance and amendment, excepting Samuel 
Adamn and John Hancock, whose crimes, he alleged, were 
too flagitious to admit of pardon. 

This proclamation, and tlu; arrival of the troopH, far from 
dismaying, aroused the peojile to gr<;at(?r activity and watch- 
fulness. Again the militia assembled and surrounded lioston. 
Unwilling to endure the inconvenience and disgrace of this 
conlinem(,'nt, (iemeral Ciage mad(; pre[)aration to penetrate 
with a jjortion of his army, int/> the country. To prevent 
this, tin; provincial generals resolvejd to occupy Hunker's Hill, 
an eminence; in Charlestown, situated on a peninsula that ap- 
proaclies near to Hoston. 

On the (,'V(,'iiing of the Ifith of June, a thousand men, und(;r 
the command of Colonel I'rescot, of Massachusetts, ('olonel 
Stark, from New Hampshire, and Captain Knowlton, from 
Connecticut, were despatched on this service. They were 
conducted, by mistake, to Breed's Hill, which was nearer to 



200 HISTORY OF 

the water and to Boston than Bunker's. At twelve o'clock, 
they began to throw up intrenchments, and by dawn of day 
had completed a redoubt eight rods square. As soon as they 
were discovered, they were fired upon from a ship-of-war and 
several floating batteries lying near, and from a fortilicatioii 
in Boston opposite the redoubt. The Americans, nevertheless, 
encouraged by General Putnam, who often visited them om 
the hill, continued to labour until they had finished a slight 
breastwork extending from the redoubt eastward to the water ; 
and in the morning they received a reinforcement of five hun- 
dred men. 

The temerity of the provincials astonished and incensed 
General Gage ; and he determined to drive them immediately 
from their position. About noon, a body of three thousand, 
regulars, commanded by General Howe, left Boston in boats,, 
and landed in Charlestown, at the extreme point of the penin- 
sula. Generals Clinton and Burgoyne took their station oa 
an eminence in Boston, commanding a distinct view of the 
hill. The spires of the churches, the roofs of the houses, and 
all the heights in the neighbourhood, were covered with peo- 
ple, waiting, in dreadful anxiety, to witness the approaching 
battle. 

The regulars, forming at the place of landing, marched 
slowly up the hill, halting frequently to allow time to the ar- 
tillery to demolish the works. While advancing, the village 
of Charlestown, containing about four hundred houses, was set 
on fire by order of General Gage. The flames ascended to a 
lofty height, presenting a sublime and magnificent spectacle. 
The Americans reserved their fire until the British were within 
ten rods of the redoubt ; then, taking a steady aim, they be- 
gan a furious discharge. Entire ranks of the assailants fell. 
The enemy halted, and returned the fire; but that from the 
redoubt continuing incessant, and doing great execution, they 
retreated in haste and disorder down the hill, some even tak- 
ing refuge in their boats. 

The officers were seen running hither and thither, collect- 
ing, arranging, and addressing, their men, who were at length 
induced again to ascend the hill. The Americans now re- 
served their fire until the enemy had approached even nearer 
than before, when a tremendous volley was at once poured 
upon them. Terrified by the carnage around them, they 
again retreated with precipitation ; and such was the panic, 
that General Howe was left almost alone on the hill side, his 
troops having deserted him, and nearly every officer around 
him being killed. 

At this moment. General Clinton, who had observed from Bos- 
ton the progress of the battle, feeling that British honour was 
at stake, hastened with a reinforcement to the assistance of his 



THE tJNITEC STATES^ 201 

countrymen^ By his exertions, the troops were a third time 
rallied, and were compelled by the officers, who marched be- 
hind them with drawn swords, to advance again towards the 
Americans. The lire from the ships and batteries was redou- 
bled, and a few pieces of cannon had been so placed as to rake 
the interior of the breastwork from end to end. 

The provincials, having expended their ammunition, awaited 
in silence the approach of the regulars. The latter entered 
the redoubt. The former, having no bayonets, defended them- 
selves, for a short time, with the butt-ends of their muskets. 
From this unequal contest they were soon compelled tor etire. 
As they retreated over Charlestown Neck, the fire from the 
floating batteries was incessant ; but, providentially, a few 
only were killed. The enemy had sustained too much injury 
to think of pursuit. 

In this desperate and bloody conflict, the royal forces con- 
sisted, as has been stated, of three thousand men, and the pro- 
vincials of but fifteen hundred. Of the former, one thousand 
and fifty-four were killed and wounded ; of the latter, four 
hundred and fifty-three. This disparity of loss, the steadiness 
- and bravery displayed by their recent, undisciplined levies, oc- 
casioned among the Americans the highest exultation, and, in 
their view, more than counterbalanced the loss of position. — 
" If 'this is a British victory, how many such victories," they 
triumphantly asked, " can their army achieve without ruin?" 

But deep and heart-felt sorrow was intermingled with their 
rejoicings. Among the killed was Doctor Warren, a patriot, 
who, at an early period, had espoused with warmth the cause 
of freedom ; who had disjilayed great intrepidity in several 
skirmishes ; had four days before been elected major-general ; 
and had, on the fatal da}^, hastened to the field of battle, to 
serve his country as a volunteer. For his many virtues, his 
elegant manners, his generous devotion to his country, his high 
attainments in political science, he was beloved and respected 
by his republican associates ; and to him their affections 
pointed as a future leader, in a cause dear to their hearts, and 
intimately connected with their glory. 

In the midst of these military transactions, a Continental 
congress assembled at Philadelphia. It comprised delegates 
from twelve colonies, all of whom were animated with a de- 
termined spirit of opposition to parliamentary taxation. A 
majority, however, had not yet formed the hardy resolution to 
separate from the mother country, and aim at independence. 
The measures partook of the opposite feelings of the mem- 
bers. Mr. Hancock, the proscribed patriot, was chosen presi- 
dent ; they resolved that another humble petition for redress of 
grievances should be presented to the king ; but they also re- 
I 5 



202 HISTORY OF 

solved that means of defence should be immediately prepared, 
and proceeded to the choice of officers to command their 
united forces. 

To induce the friends of liberty in the southern provinces to 
embark more warmly in the cause of resistance, the northern 
delegates determined to give their suffrages, for a commander- 
in-chief, to a person residing in that quarter. Fortunately, 
one was found eminently qualified for the office. By unanimous 
vote of the congress, George Washington, then present as 
delegate from Virginia, was elected. He had served, with 
high reputation, in the late war with France ; was distin- 
guished in his native province for his military knowledge, his 
great wealth, the dignity of his deportment, his unsuspected 
integrity, and his ardent attachment to the interests of his 
country. 

The president, addressing him in his seat, announced to 
him the choice which the congress had made. Washington 
declared his acceptance with a diffidence which gave to his 
great talents a brighter lustre, and assured congress that, as no 
pecuniary compensation could have tempted him to accept the 
office, at the sacrifice of his domestic ease and happiness, he 
would receive no paj^, and would only ask the remuneration of 
his expenses. Artemas Ward, Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, 
and Israel Putmau, were then chosen major-generals, and 
Horatio Gates, adjutant-general. Lee had lately held the 
office of colonel, and Gates that of major, in the British 
army. 

Congress also resolved that, for defraying the expenses 
which might be incurred, bills of credit, or paper money, to 
the amount of three millions of dollars, should be issued, and 
pledged the colonies for their redemption. A solemn and dig- 
nified declaration, setting forth the causes and necessity of 
taking up arms, was prepared to be published to the army in 
orders, and to the people from the pulpit. After particularising 
the aggressions of Great Britain, with the energy of men feel- 
ing unmerited injury, they exclaim — 

" But why should we enumerate our injuries in detail ? By 
one statute it is declared that parliament can ot right make 
laws to bind us in all cases whatsoever. What is to defend us 
against so enormous, so unlimited a power ? Not a single 
man of those who assume it was chosen by us, or is subject to 
our controul or influence ; but, on the contrary, Ihey are all of 
them exempt from the operation of such laws, and an Ameri- 
can revenue, if not diverted from the ostensible purposes for 
which it is raised, would actually lighten their own burdens, 
in proportion as it increases ours. We saw the misery to 
Avhich such despotism would reduce us. We, for ten years, 
incessantly and ineffectually besieged the throne, as suppli- 



II 



THE UNITED STATBS. 203 

cants ; we reasoned, we remonstrated with parliament in the 
most mild and decent language. 

'^ We are now reduced to the condition of choosing an un- 
conditional submission to the will of irritated ministers, or 
resistance by force. The latter is our choice. We have 
counted the cost, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary 
slavery. Honour, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to 
surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant 
ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to 
receive from us. We cannot endure the tinfamy and guilt 
of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness 
which inevitably awaits them if we basely entail hereditary 
bondage upon them. 

" Oi^r cause is just; our union is perfect. Our internal re- 
sources are great; and, if necessary, foreign assistance is un- 
doubtedly attainable. We gratefully acknowledge, as a sig- 
nal instance of the divine favour towards us, that his provi- 
dence would not permit us to be called into this severe contro- 
versy, until we were grown up to our present strength, had 
been previously exercised in warlike operations, and possessed 
the means of defending ourselves. 

" With hearts fortified by these animating reflections, we 
most solemnly, before God and the world, declare, that ex- 
erting the utmost energy of those powers which our Ijeneficent 
Creator hath graciously bestowed, the arms we have been 
compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of 
every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, em- 
ploy for the preservation of our liberties, being, with one 
mind, resolved to die freemen, rather than live slaves." 

Early in May, the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts re- 
solved that General Gage had utterly disqualified himself to 
act as governor of the colony, and that, therefore, no obe- 
dience was due to him. Afterwards, they addressed a letter 
to the Continental Congress, setting forth the difficulties 
arising from the want of a regular government, and request- 
ing explicit advice in what way they should remedy the evil. 
In reply, a resolution was adopted, declaring that no obedience 
was due to the act of parliament altering the charter of Mas- 
sachusetts, nor to a governor who should endeavour to sub- 
vert it ; and recommending that the Provincial Congress, con- 
forming as near as might be to the spirit and substance of the 
charter, should summon representatives from the several towns ; 
that they, when met, should choose a council, and that these 
two bodies should exercise the powers of government until a 
governor appointed by the king, would consent to act according 
to the charter. This advice was followed ; the people disco- 
vered that they could manage their affairs without the aid of 
a royal governor; and many beheld, with secret pleasure, the 



204 HISTORY OF 

legal ties giving Avay >v1hcU coniiocted C^roat Britain with her 

""''Tirooiigre.s continued in sest^ion, performing sueh dntieH an 
nmiaVlv devolve on the exeeutive of u nation ; appouitnjg olh- 
cHM-s, provuling means, devising plan^, and giving ^f^^^:^" 
Thov established a post-olViee department, and phieed at he 
luAd of it Dr. Franklin, v ho held the same othee under the 
ng and had been reuuned in 1 771. They chose a conmuttee 
1 u ian alVairs, and dueeted a - talk" to be addressed t.> the 
.eVeral tribes, statmg the origin of the -lanu y •! barrel /'and 
nrg\g them to remain neutral in the contest The ndumH, 
lunvever, .vere so fond of .var, that, bemg mvitea by the Ihi- 
tish thev joined their standard. , 

Soon Alter his election, GeneranVashington accompamed by 
(;eneral l.ee and several other olUcers, set, out h.r the camp at 
Ca bridge. In everv place through Avlnch he passed he re- 
ce! ed the highest honours. At New \ ork, the 1 rovmcuvl 
congress, in a respectful address, declared then- conlu ence m 
his abdities and virtue, and feeling, m then- ^^^^^l^}^^ 
ty, a just jealousv of military poNver, expressed the lullest as- 
Sirance that, M'hen the contest was enclea, - he would re-as- 
sume the character of our worthiest c,t,/en.' A comnnttee 
Cm the rrovi)K«ial congress oi' Massachuset s met Inm at 
S ngiield, and conducted him to head-quar ers, where ha 
was received by another coumiittee with all the ceremonies 
due to his station. ,, , 

He found the army, consisting of lourteen thousand men 
posted on the heights around lU)ston, lornnng a nie winch 
Extended from Uoxbury on the right to le Kiver Mys- 
tic on the left-a distance of twelve nnles. The troops an ere 
ml^tlv devoted to the cause of liberty, but destitute ol d.s- 
dnline, averse to subordination, without powder, without 
tents, and without most of the conveniencies usually provided 
for reuular armies. , . , , j 

\Vith the assistance (^f General Gates, he introduced some 
degree o\' reirularitv and system. SeverAl barrels ol powder 
McTe obtamed froni New .lersey; and Captain Maiily, com- 
mander oi' the privateer 1-ee, captured an (U'dnance ship con- 
taining- arms, amnumition, and a complete assortment of such 
worki^iu- tools as were nK)st wanted in the American camp. 
T'his p, ON idential capture was followed by others, which 8uppli- 
ed the most pressir.g wants of the army, enabled it to con inue, 
throuKh the year, the blockade of Boston, and contributed 
greatly to distress the enemy, for whose use the cargoes were 

"^"^Evlnts occm-rimr, this year, in the southern colonies, still 
further weakened the attachment of the people to Great Bri- 
tain In Mrgiuia, Lord Dunmore, the governor, seized, by 



TFfK UNITKD HTATKH. 205 

niglit, 8om(» |)Owrl(!r bcjlongiug- to Uu; colony, and convoyod it 
on board a UritiHli Hliip in .lanicH Kiv(,'r. IniclliKcnci! of tlii» 
tranwaclion rcacliing I'afiick Ifcnry, he plac»,*d liiinHclf a<; tlif* 
head oI'IIh! iiidc^tcndimt coni|)ani(;8 in Imh vicinity, and niarclied. 
tow;u-flH <li(! Hcat. of government, with the avowe(l |)iir|)OHO of 
()])taining, by lbrc(;, reHtitniion of the |)Owd(!r, or itn value, 
lie wart met by a meHHcnger, who jiaid him the v;ilu(! of thtr 
powder, when in; and the militia n^tiiriKul to tliciir iionioH. 

Alarmed by this dirtplay of spirit and piitriotism, Lord 
Dunmoro fortilied his jcdace. I'rom tiiis casthi \ui isHiied a. 
proclamation chnrging llem-yand hirt asHociateH with rebelli- 
ous practic(!S, which ollendefl the people, who hif,'hly ;i|)|)roved 
their conduct. Other causes incjcawing tin! po|mlar h-rment, 
he <piitt(!d his palace, and repaired to a Hhijj-ol'-war then lying 
at Vorkt(nvn. 

In Nov(!mber, he issued another [iroclamation, ofl'ering free- 
dom to those slaves belonging to rebel masteis, who should 
join his Majesty's troops at Yorktown. Sev(!ral jiundred, in 
conse(pience, rej)aired to that [jiace. A body (jf militia imme- 
diately assembh.'d, and, while posted near th(; city, wen; at- 
tack(;(J, with great bravery, by th(; regulars, royalists, and 
negroes. The militia, re|)elling the attack with eipial bravery, 
gained a d(;cisive victory. Lord Diinmore tlu'n evacuated 
th(! city, and f'ollovv(,'d by his whiti- and black lorc(*s, Hought 
refuge on board tlir; ships of iiis majesty. Soon after, Norfolk, 
set on lire by his (jrder, was moslly consumed, and its de- 
Ktruction was comj)!eted by the provincials, to [jrevent the 
eneni}; from deriving sup|)lies from that «piarter. 

TIk! governor of North Carolina, following the example of 
Lord IJunmoH!, fortified his jialacc? at Newborn. This caused 
a comniijtion among the pc'oph;, which induced him to retire 
on board a ship in the harbour. Wliih; there, he made zeal- 
ous exertions to organi/(,' a i»arty in favour of th(! royal cauHe : 
and a band of Scotch Jlighlanders, settled in the interior 
country, listened to his jxirsuasions. On their march to the 
scia-coast, they w(.'r(? met by a party of militia, who attacked 
and disjiersed them. 'J'his early victory secured the predo- 
minance of the whigs, and crushed the hopes and spirits of 
the tories. 

South Carolina had always, with great unanimity and zeal, 
resisted parliamentary taxation ; and soon after the battle of 
Lexington, the governor, JiOrd William Campbell, apprehen- 
flive of danger to his person, retired from the [)rovince. In 
July, Georgia chose deh.'gates to the Continental congress, in- 
creasing to TJiiRTKEN th(; nnmber of the unitkd colonims. 

'J'lie province of New York contained many warm advo- 
cates for freedom ; but its cai)ital had so long been the head- 
fjuarters of the liritisli army in America, that many of the 



20S HISTORY OP 

principal inhabitants, having contracted intimate relations 
with British officers, had become devoted to the royal cause. 
The assembly, acting under their influence, declined to choose 
delegates to the Continental congress held in May, 1775 ; but 
the people, a majority of whom were actuated by different 
feelings, elected a Provincial congress, by whom those dele- 
gates were chosen. 

When intelligence of the battle of Lexington reached the 
city, Captain Sears, an active and intrepid leader of the " sons 
of liberty," took effectual measures to prevent vessels bound 
to ports in America where the royal cause prevailed, from 
sailing. An association was formed, consisting of one thou- 
sand of the principal inhabitants, who bound themselves to 
assist in carrying into execution whatever measure might be 
recommended, by the C'ontinental congress, to })revent the exe- 
cution of the oppressive acts ot the British parliament. 

The ministry, desirous of retaining in obedience this import- 
ant colony, appointed Mr. Tryon to be governor over it. He 
had before tilled the same office; was a man of address, and 
greatly beloved by the people. He came fully empowered to 
gain adherents by dispensing presents and money at his discre- 
tion. The success of his intrigues alarmed congress, who, hav- 
ing particular reference to him, recommended that "all per- 
sons whose going at large might endanger the liberties of 
America, should be arrested and secured." Gaining early in- 
telligence of this, he also sought refuge on board a ship in the 
harbour. 

Although the autumn of 177.5 Avas not distinguished by any 
brilliant exi)k)it, yet the time of congress and of the com- 
mander-in-cliiefwas not unprofitably employed. Constant at- 
tention was jiaid to the disci})line of the troops; arrangements 
were made to obtain a supply of military stores ; the building 
andecpiipnient of a naval force was commenced ; two expedi- 
tions were organized and despatched against Canada, one by 
the way of Lake Cliamplain, the otlKT of the River Kennebec; 
and General Lee, with twelve hundred volunteers from Con-, 
necticut, was directed to proceed to New York, and, with the 
aid of the inhabitants, fortify the city and the high lands. 

The abolition of all U'gal authority in the colonies was an 
evil for which, (hough less than had been anticipated, it was yet 
expedient to j)rovide a remedy. New Hampshire applied to 
congress for advice on this subject. A favourable o])portunity 
was thus presented to the zealous patriots in congress, to pro- 
j)ose a remedy for the evil, which should, at the same time, 
exhibit in i)ractice the fundamental principle of their political 
creed, that all legitimate authoritj'- must be derived from the 
people; and should also prepare the way for their darling ob- 
ject — a declaration of independence. 



THE UNITED STATES. 207 

A resolution was introduced, recommending that a conven- 
tion of representatives, freely elected by the people of that co- 
lony, should be called, for the purpose of establishing such a 
form of government as they might deem proper. It vras 
warmly opposed by those members who were yet desirous of 
an accommodation with the mother country. An amendment 
being made, providing that the government established should 
continue m force no longer than the existing contest with 
Great Britain, the resolution passed. Representatives were 
accordingly chosen, who^, on the 5th of January, 1776, adopt- 
ed a written constitution, acknowledging no source of power 
but the people. In other colonies, the same course was soon 
afterwards pursued. 

A transaction displaying the vindictive feelings of the Bri- 
tish occurred in October. The ministry had issued orders to 
officers of the navy, to proceed as in the case of actual rebel- 
lion against such colonial sea-ports accessible to ships-of-war 
as should attempt to seize any public magazines of arms or 
other stores. Falmouth, a flourishing town in that part of 
Massachusetts now the state of Maine, having, in compliance 
with a resolve of the Provincial congress, prevented some 
tories from sending their property, consisting of masts suita- 
ble for the navy, out of the country, its destruction, under 
colour of these orders, was resolved on. Captain Mowatt, 
with four ships, appeared before the place, and gave notice to 
the inhabitants that they must leave it in two hours, as he 
had been ordered to destroy it. They sought by negociation 
to avert their ruin, but were told that tlieir town could be 
saved from destruction only by their delivering up all their 
arms and ammunition, engaging not to unite with their coun- 
trymen in any opposition to Great Britain, and surrendering 
four of their principal citizens as hostages. 'J'hey asked time 
to give an answer, and he allowed them until the next morn- 
ing. The night was spent, not in deliberation, but in re- 
moving their families and effects. Not receiving any answer. 
Captain Mowatt, the next day, set the town on fire, and more 
than four hundred dwelling-houses and stores were consumed. 
It was afterwards rebuilt, and its name changed to Portland. 

This wanton act of devastation served to exasperate, rather 
than to intimidate, the people. It probably accelerated the 
passage, by the Provincial congress of Massachusetts, of an 
act " for encouraging the fitting out of armed vessels to de- 
fend the sea-coast of America, and the erecting a court to try 
and condemn all vessels that shall be found infesting the 
same." Under such guize did the shrewd politicians of the 
time, while professing allegiance to Great Britain, cover the 
grant of a license to ])rivateers to cruise against and capture 
J3ritish vessels. Several were fitted out, and were successful. 



208 lusTonT OF 

As the yonr 177.^ drmv noar to a closo, tlio condition of i\\o 
army, employed in the bloekado of l^oston, onj):ai?od the atten- 
tion of congress^. A speedy adjiistinent of the dispute being: 
at tirst expeeted, tlie men had been enlisted to ser\ e only un- 
til the 1st of January. No ])rospeet now a])peared of an im- 
mediate aeeonnnodation. It >vas therefore resolved to form 
anew army, to consist of twenty thousand nuMi, and to be 
raised, as far as practicable, IVoni the troops then in service, 
rnfortunately, it was determined that the enlistments should 
be made for one year only — an cvvor tiie constvpiences of 
•which were after\\aids very sevtM'ely lelt. 

It Avas sup])i>seU that most o[' those whom patriotism had 
impelled to join the army, Mould continue in the service of 
their country; but, when the exiieriuu'ut. was made, it was 
found that their ardour had considerably abated. The blockade 
of Bostiui juvsented no opportunity of aciiuirint:: glory, by 
deeds of noble darins? ; the latig-uing duties oi' the camj) wore 
upon their spirits, alVected their health, and produced an un- 
conquerable liuiying' io revisit their hounds. Notwithstanding 
the great exertions o[' (Jeneral \\'ashiugton, no more than half 
the estimated number had been enlistt>d at the close of the 
year. 

The people and the troops, supposing i]w army to bestnniger 
than it M'as, ex[)ressed great dissutisfactioii at the inactivity 
of the commander-in-chief, Avhichs(une imputed io dishonour*- 
able motives. An attack upon Boston was loudly deuuinded. 
"Washington three times ])n)i)osed it to a council of Avar; but 
in every instance the decision was unaniun)\is against it. At 
the last time, however, the council recounuended that the 
town should be nu)re cU>sely invested. On the evening of 
the -1th of INlarch, 1770, the attention of the enemy being di- 
verted, by a brisk cannonade, to a dilVerent quarter, a party 
of troops, under the connnand of (uuieral Thouu\s, tot)k pos- 
session, in silence, of Donhester Heights, and, with almost 
incredible industry, erected, before morning, a line of fortifica- 
tions which connnanded the harbour and the town. 

The view of these Avorks, raised like an exhalation from the 
earth, excited the astonishment of CJeneral Howe, who, on the 
resignation of (Jeneral (Jage, had been a})pointed connnander- 
in-chief. He saw that lie nuist iunnediately dislodge the 
Americans (u* evacuate the town. The next day, he ordered 
three thousand men to embark in boats, and proceeded, by 
way of Castle Island, io attack the works on the heights. A 
furious storm dispersed them ; the fortifications, in the mean 
time, were rendered ioo strong io be forced; and (General 
Howe Avas compelled to seek safety in an immediate depar- 
ture frt)m lloston. 

Of the determination of the enemy to evacilate the town. 



THE UNITE© STATKB. 201^ 

(General WjiHliiiig'tori wuh noon a])priH(3(l. TIk; ovont being 
certain, Ik; (lid not wiHli by an attack to luiHten it, aH th(! for- 
titicatioHH at ^i^w York, to which place ho ijrcHunnjd they 
■vvoiihl icfiair, were not in minicicnit forwardncHH to jirotcct it. 

The rnibMrkation w;iH nia(](; on the 1 7th of March: a few 
dayH alter, the whole; Heet Het nail, and the American army 
baHtened, ])y divJHionH, to New \'ork. 

'rh(! acijuiHition of this important town occaflioned great 
and j^'-eneral rejoicing-. The thankn of congrcHH were voted to 
Ceneral WaHliington and his troopH, for their wine and H})irited 
conduct; and a niedal of gold waH ordered to be Htruck in 
commemoration of the (!vent. Tlu; Hritinh tleet, inntead of 
conv(!ying th(« troopH to New York, Hteered for Halifax, huv-- 
ing on board a large number of tories and their baggage. 



CHAPTER XX. 

EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. 

It luiH be«!n already stated, that two detachnKjnts wen; de- 
Hpatched againnt Canada. The comnuind of Ihat Avhich wa». 
to proce'ed by way of Lakc! Champlain, wan given to (General 
.Schuyler, of New \'ork. The inimber of troo[)S to be em- 
ployed wan fixed at three thousand; and they were to be- 
drawn from N(.'W York and New England. (Governor (Jarle- 
ton, gaining intelligence of th(! [)roject, deH))atch(!d about 
eight hinidred men to Htrengthcni the workn at St. Johns, on 
the Uiver Sorel — a powition commanding th»} UHual entrance- 
into Canada. 

Brigadi(?r-(jl<,'neral Montgomery, a young olTicer of brilliant 
talents, and ambitiouH of glory, wan ordered to proceed in ad- 
vance, with the troo])H, then in readinoHH, and attack thin im- 
j)ortant position, before it had lieen made t(j(j Htrong to be 
taken. When commencing his career, tlie glory and fate of' 
Wolfe were j)re8ent to bin thoughtH, and tohiHwife his {ydrimg 
wordH were, " "i'ou Khali never IjIuhIi for your Montgomery." 
(jleneral Schuyler soon followed ; and, on arriving at IhIo aux 
Noix, in the vicinity of the J^ritinh workH, ho addrcHsed a pro- 
clamation to the Canadians, (.'xhorting them to join their bre- 
thren in the cauKo of fnjedom, and declaring that the American 
army came as friends of the inhabitants, and as enemies only 
of the British garrisons. 

The fortifications at St. Johns being found'Htronger than wag 
anticipated, Ceneral Schuyler returned to Albany to hasten the 
de})arture of the remaining troops, artillery, and munitions of 
war. He "was prevented, by a severe illness, from again join.-* 



21 HISTORY or 

iiig the army, and tho chief eoniniaiid devolved upon Montgo- 
mery. On receiving: a reinforcement, he invested St. .lohns; 
but, being: yet almost destitutt^ of batterinj;- cannon and of 
powder, he made no progress in the siege ; and the soldiers, 
carrying with them into tlie tield that attachment to liberty 
and etpiality which gave birth to the contest, displayed sucli 
utter aversion to discipline and subordination, as increased, in 
a great degree, his ditliculties and vexations. 

Colonel Allen, the hero of Ticonderoga, had a connnand un- 
der Montgomery. Having been despatched , with Major Brown, 
into the interior of Canada, he was, on his return, persuaded 
by the latter to undertake the rash i>roject of attacking INIon- 
treal. lie divided his detachment, consisting of less than tlnve 
hundred men, into two parties, intending to assail the city at 
opposite j)oints. Major Ih'OM-n was prevented from executing 
his part oi' the enterprise. Colonel Allen and his small party, 
opposed by the whole force ol' the enemy under (Governor Carle- 
ton, fought with desperate valour. Many were killed ; the 
survivors, overpowered by numbers, were com]-»elled to sur- 
render. The governor, viewing Allen, not as the intrepid sol- 
dier, but as a factious rebel, loaded him with irons, and sent 
him to England for trial. 

C)n the ISth of (>ctober, a fortunate event brightened the 
prospects of the Americans. Fort diamblee, situated several 
miles north of St. Johns, was supposed to be beytind their 
reach, and was but slightly guarded. A detachment under 
IMajors BroMn and Livingston, attacking it unexpectedly, 
gained possession of it M-ith little loss. Several pieces of can- 
non, and one hundred and twenty barrels of powder, were 
the fruits of tlie ^•ictory. The Americans, encouraged by 
success, immediately, in defiance of the continual lire of the 
enemy, erected a battery near Fort St. Johns, and made 
preparations for a severe cannonade, and an assault, if ne- 
cessary. 

At this juncture, Montgomery received intelligence of an 
action between Ciovernor Carleton and a body of Green Moun- 
tain boys counnanded by Colonel \Varuer. 'I'lie former, elated 
by his victory oxer Allen, collected about eight hundred regu- 
lai-s, militia, and Indians, with the view of raising the siege 
of St. Johns. In full confidence of success, they left Montreal, 
embarked in boats, and proceeded towards the southern shore 
of the St. Lawrence. In the bushes at the water's edge. 
Colonel Warner, having received information of -their purpose, 
concealed three hundred men, who, when the enemy ajiproached 
the shore, })oured upon them a fire so unexiiected and destruc- 
tive, that the flotflla returned, in confusion, io Montreal. 

On the 1st of November, IMontgomery commenced a heavy 
cannonade of the enemy's works, which was continued through 



THE DNlTJiD STATES. 211 

tlu! day. In tho evening, lio Hent to the British commander, 
?jy one of fiovernor ('arleton'n men, who had b(,'en made pri- 
Honer by ("olonel Warner, intelligence of the governor's defeat, 
and demanded tlu,' surrender of the fort. It was accordingly 
Hurrendenjd, and the next morning entered by the American 
trooj)H. 

Montgomery hastened to Montreal, and, at the same time, 
despatched down the Sorel, the mouth of which is below that 
city, a naval force, to prevent the escape of the British to 
Quebec. Governor Carleton, believing the city not tenable, 
quittfjd it in the night, and, in a boat with mu filed oars, was 
conveyed through the American sf[uadron. The next day. 
General Montgomery entfjred the city ; and, although no terms 
wen,' granted to the inhabitants, Ik; treated them with the 
kindness of a fellow-citi/en, declaring that the property, 
rights, and religion, of every individual should be sacredly 
respected. 

By his benevohmce and address, he gained the affifictions of 
the Canadians, many of whom joined his standard. More, 
however, of his own trooi^s, whose term of enlistment had 
expired, insisted on returning to their homes. Ho dear to them 
were the delights of the domestic fireside, and so vividly were 
they recalled to memory by the severe duties of the campaign, 
that the high character of the commander, his address, his en- 
tn?aties, availed nothing to induce them to proceed on the ex- 
])edition. With the nminant of his army, consisting of no 
mon; than thre(i hundred men, he began his march towards 
Quebec, expe-cting to meet there another body of troops, sent 
to act in concert with him. 

'I'hese troops were a dcitachme'rit from the army before Bos- 
ton, consisting of one thousand men, and commanded by Colo- 
nel Arnold; who, as a soldier, was adventurous, impetuous, 
and fearless ; as a man, overbearing, avaricious, and profligate. 
'J'heir route lay along the coast to the mouth of the Kennebec, 
in Maine, thcmce up that river to its source, and thence, over 
lofty mountains, through a wilderness unexplored by civilized 
man, to the river St. Lawrence, 'i'liey were unable to begin 
their march before the middle of S(jpt<;mber ; on tlu; 22d, they 
embarked in boats, at Gardin(.'r, on the Kennebec, and pro- 
ceeded to ascend that river. 

'J'hey found the current rapid, and the navigation interrupted bv 
cataracts. Around these they were obliged to draw, by hand, 
their provisions, arms, and even their boats. Nor was their route 
on land less diflicult. They had deep swamps to pass, and 
craggy mountains to ascend. The toil was so incessant, and 
the fatigue so gnjat, that many, falling sick, were sent back ; 
and along with these the rear division, commanded by Colonel 
EuoH, returned without the knowledge of Arnold, 



212 niSTOKY OF 

Pefon? thoy ivacliod the luMjfht of land, provisions bocamo 
scarco. Pogs, cartridiro-boxes, and shoes, voiv oaten. At 
the summit, the ^hoh^ stock "svas divided ei|ually amonjr them, 
each reeeivinp: but two (|uarts of Hour as his portion. The 
order of mareh was no Vonti:er observed. 'I'he sohliers were 
directed to proceed, siui^ly ov by companies, as they might 
*'hoose, slowly or with speed, as they were able, to the near- 
est Canadian settlement, then one hundred miles distant. 
AVhen the comi^any. whose superior strength enabled them to 
keep in advance, were thirty miles lVou\ any human ljabitatii>n, 
the last morsel i>f food had been consumed. 

In this extremity, Arnold, with a few of the most vigorous, 
made a forced march to the hrst village, and returned to his 
Jilmost famished couipanions, with food sutlicient to satisfy the 
first wants oi' nature. Refreshed and strengthened, they 
hastened forward, and, on the 4th of November, arrived at the 
Trench settlements on the Chaudiere, having been thirty-two 
days without seeing the abodes of civili/ed nnni, and having, 
in that time, performed a nu\rch nnexanipled iov its temerity 
jmd hardship. 

The inhabitants welcomed them with cordial hospitality. 
Though separated, in a great measure, from the world, they 
l\ad heard of the dispute between (ireat Ihitain and her colo- 
nies ; and. as the very name of liberty is dear to the heart of 
man, their sympathies were all enlisted on the side of the jat- 
ter. Arnold distributed i)roclamations among them similar to 
those issued by (nMieral Schuyler. As soon as the scattered 
soldiers were assembled, he continued his march, and. on the 
9th of November, arrived at IVint bevi, opposite Qin^iec. 

Nothing could exceed the surprise and astonishment of the 
citizens on seeing a body of hostile troops emerging from the 
southern wilderness. Had Arnold, at this nunnent of panic, 
l)een able to cross the river, the city mustha\e fallen an easy 
conquest: but boats were not nt hand, and a furious storm, 
occurring at the time, rendered crossing imi)ossible. 

Having j)rocured boats, and the storm having abated, lie 
crossed the river on the night oi' the l."Uh, and landed near the 
place where Wolfe had landed in the ]nvceding war. ISFount- 
mg the same steep ascent, he formed his troops on the Tlains 
of Abraham, and marched towards the city. (\nivinc(>d, by 
a cannonade from the walls, that the garrison were ready to 
receive him, he returned, encamped on the ])lain, and, on the 
ISth, marched to Point aux 'I'rembles, twenty miles from 
Quebec, where he determined to await the arrival of iNIout- 
gomery. 

lie came on the 1st of December. How great was the joy, 
and how lively tln^ gratulations, they only can imagine, who 
afttr long absence and sulVering, have met, in a foreign land 



TlIK IJNJTKD UTATEh. 21. '3 

tlioir iVu'.n(]n and form(;r comfjanionH. Arnold'H troopH liad, 
iiKl(?«'d, ^r^•nt c/.iUHft of n-joiciufr. 'I'hey were (iutin^ly ()(;Htitut<i 
of wirit«;r clolhin^^, and had cndurfid ('xtr<;rn(! (hntn-MH from tlio 
nuventy of tin; cold. .Monfgomcry had hrought a Hupf^ly from 
Mofiln;al, which lu; irnrri(*f]iat(;ly di'!itribiil«:d arrioii}< Ihr-rn. 

'I'Jioir ijrjit(;d forc(; arnountf-'d to no nioro than nirxj hundn^d 
rrH!n. On tho .OfJi, the K<'n<.'ral, at the head oflhcHr;, appeared 
before the city, and Kent; a iluK with a HuiumouH to Hiirrender. 
The dehiy which had taken phicf; had enahled (Governor C'arle- 
ton to increaHtj the Hln.'rigth of th<; workn, and to change* the 
BentinientH of th'? citi/enH from frienflnhip for the AmericariH- 
to hoHtility. lie ordered iii:-< troops to n; Ojjon the bearer of 
the flag. 

Montf^omery Hoon dineovctnid th(! df-fection of hiHfriendn, and 
perceivf.'d that he mnnt depend upon hin own force alone for th(r 
accompliHhme'nt of liiH obj<;ct. When h(.* com[jared thinforce witb 
tliat of the (ffiemy, who w(;re fifteen l)unf3n;d ntrong ; when her 
reHected that hin tr(j(jf)H were recent levien, whoHe term was* 
nearly expired, and whone thoughtH were fixed npon their 
homeH, — hiH hopen ofHucceKH became; faint, and hiH foreboding!* 
gloomy. \Ui b(.*lieved, howev(;r, that HuccenH wan poHwibUi, 
and iiin high Henne of honour and of duty imiielled him to 
lia/ard (jve-ry thing to obtain it for hin country. 

IJe at lirHt de'termirie-d to batter the wallrf, and hara«H the' 
city by repf.atrjd and furiouK attacks, hoj>ing that an opportu- 
nity might occur of -.striking Hf>nie deciwive blow, lie raiH(;d a 
mound comjjoned of hhow and water, which Koori became* ice, 
and thf;rf; Ik* jjlanted bin cannon, h\x only in number. After a. 
Hhort trial, tliey were found inade(piate ; and thin plan waH 
abandonefl. 

Meanwhile, the Hnow fell inccHHantly ; tlu* cold became in- 
piUHi;; and the HufferirigH of the troopr5, from the rigour of the 
Heason and their continual toil, Hurpanned all that they had 
ever felt, or witneHHed, or imagined. To incr(;a8e their diH- 
trcHH, tin; Hmall-})OX broke* out in the camp, prenenting deatii 
in a new Hhap(.*, and adding to tlu'Heverity of their labours, by 
biHHening the niimb< r to bear them. In the midnt of these 
trialH, their attachme-nt to the; cause, and devotion to their 
commander, remained unabated ; but thene*, he reflected, must: 
Koon givr; way before Huch severe and constant suffering ; and 
for himself, he determined to make immediately a bold anddea- 
p(;rate effort. 

Assembling his oflicers, he j>roposed to storm the city. He 
placed beforr; them the; motives which operated upon his own 
mind. He did not deny that the enterprise was highly rliflicult 
and dangerous, but maintained that success was possible. He 
addressed a band of heroes whose* sentiments were congenial 
with his own ; and the decision was unanimous in favour of 



214 HISTORY OF 

his proposition. The plan and time of attack were concerted, 
and to each officer was assigned hisparticuhir duty. 

On the last day of December, at four o'clock in the morning, 
while a violent snow-storm was raging, the troops marched 
from the cam]) in four columns, commanded by Montgomery, Ar- 
nold, Livingston, and Brown. The two latter were directed 
to make feigned attacks upon the upper town, in order to dis- 
tract the attention of the garrison, wliile tlie two fonner pro- 
ceeded to assault the lower town at opposite points. 

Livingston and Brown, impeded by the snow, did not arrive 
in season to execute their feints. INIontgomery, advancing, at 
the head of his column, along the bank of the river, came to a 
barrier or stockade of strong posts. Two of these he sawed 
off" with his own hands. The guard within were alarmed, 
and fled to a block-house, lifty yards distant, where several 
pieces of cannon were stationed. He passed through the open- 
ing in the barrier, encouraging his men to follow. The troops 
at the block-house, to whom the guard had communicated their 
terror, began to desert it. 

At this moment, Montgomery halted, to allow the troops 
near him to form in a body. Observing this delay, a Canadian, 
who lingered behind, returned to the block-house, seized a 
match which was burning, and discharged a cannon loaded 
with grape-shot, and fortuitously pointed at the little band. 
The discharge was instantly fatal to Montgomery, and to seve- 
ral favourite officers standing around him. The men, seeing 
their beloved leader fiill, shrunk back. Colonel Campbell, the 
next in command, ordered a retreat ; and that portion of the 
garrison stationed at the block-house, was left at liberty to 
hasten to another part of the city, already in commotion from 
the attack of Arnold. 

This officer, marching, like Montgomery, at the head of hi% 
column, had entered the town. Advancing along a narrow 
street, which was swept by the grape-shot of the enemy, he 
received a severe wound in the leg, and was carried to the 
hospital. Captain Morgan, afterwards distinguished by his 
exploits at the south, assumed the command. Placing him- 
self at the head of two companies, he boldly approached the 
enemy's works, and, entering through the embrasures, drove 
the men from their guns. 

Here he halted until the rear of the column came up. When 
time was given for reflection, the danger of their situation — a 
small band in the heart of a hostile city — fllled even the 
bosoms of the brave with dread. Morgan retained his firm- 
ness ; and, when the morning dawned, with a voice that re- 
sounded through the city, summoned his troops to the assault 
. of a second battery, a short distance in advance of the first. 

Before this, a fierce combat ensued. Many of the enemy 



THE UNITED STATES. 215 

vrere killed, but more Americans, who were exposed to a de- 
structive fire of musketry from the windows of the houses. 
Some of the most daring mounted the wall ; but, seeing, on 
the other side, two ranks of soldiers, with their muskets on 
the ground, presenting hedges of bayonets to receive them 
should they leap forward, they recoiled and descended. 

Weary with exertion, and benumbed with cold ; exposed to 
a deadly fire from every quarter; their arms rendered useless 
by the snow which c(mtinued to fall, — the soldiers sought re- 
fuge in the houses. Perceiving that all further attempts would 
be vain, Morgan gave the signal of retreat. Some of the men 
fled, but most were unwilling to encounter another tempest of 
shot. They refused, however, to yield, until assured of the 
fate of Montgomery; when, losing all hope of success and 
escape, they surrendered themselves prisoners of war. 

The loss of the Americans, in this desperate enterprise, was 
above four hundred, of whom one hundred and fifty were 
killed. The whole continent bewailed the death of Mont- 
gomery, lie was conspicuous, even in those times of en- 
thusiasm, for his ardent devotion to the cause of freedom. He 
was endeared to the good, by the exercise, in the midst of 
war, of the most amiable virtues. Ifis soldiers adored him 
for his lofty spirit and daring bravery. The enemy respected 
him for his honourable conduct and distinguished military 
qualities. Until his last enterprise, continual success bore 
testimony to the greatness of his talents ; and defeat, when 
he was no more, confirmed the testimony of success. Con- 
gress resolved that a monument should be erected to per- 
petuate his fame. It lives yet fresh in the memory of Ameri- 
cans. In IH18, New York, his adopted state, removed his re- 
mains from Quebec to her own metropolis, where the monu- 
ment had been placed ; and near that they repose. 

Some of the Americans, on their escape from Quebec, re- 
treated precipitately to Montreal. Arnold, with difficulty, de- 
tained about four hundred, who, breaking up their camp, re- 
tired three miles from the city. Here this heroic band, though 
much inferior in number t> the garrison, kept it in continual 
av/e, and, by preventing all conmiunication with the country, 
reduced it to great distress for the want of provisions 

Congress, on receiving information of the disaster of the .31st 
of December, directed reinforcements to be sent to Canada ; 
and, after the beginning of March, Arnold's party was almost 
daily augmented by the arrival of small bodies of troops. But 
its strength did not increase with its numbers. The small- 
pox still continued its ravages ; fatigue, without hope, de- 
pressed the spirits of the soldiers ; the difficulty of obtaining 
provisions became every day greater; and the harsh measures 



21^ HISTORY OF 

adopted by Arnold to procure them, exasperated the inhabi- 
tants around him. 

On the 1st of May, General Thomas, who had been ap- 
pointed to succeed Montgomery, arrived from the camp at 
Roxbury. On reviewing his army, he found it to consist of 
less than two thousand men, of whom half were not fit for 
duty. A council of war was held, who resolved that it was 
expedient to take a more defensible position higher up the St. 
Lawrence. To this decision they were led by the knowledge 
that the ice was leaving the ri\'er, and by the expectation that 
reinforcements from England would immediately come uj). 
The next morning, in fact, while the Americans were engaged 
in removing the sick, several shijis ajtpeared in sight, and en- 
tered the harbour. A multitude of troops were immediately 
poured into the city. 

At one o'clock, Carletonmade a sortie at the head of a thou- 
sand men. Against these. General Thomas, at that moment, 
could oppose but three hundred. All the stores, and many of 
the sick, fell into the power of the enemy. The latter were 
treated by the governor with great tenderness, and, when re- 
stored to health, were assisted to return to their homes. The 
Americans retreated to the mouth of the Sorel, where they 
were joined by several regiments, and where their worthy com- 
mander died of the small-pox, which yet prevailed in the 
camp. 

While patriotism and valour were, in this quarter, unsuc- 
cessfully contending with a superior force, the Americans sus- 
tained a heavy and unexpected calamity, resulting from 
cowardice, in another. At a fortified place, called the Cedars, 
forty miles above Montreal, Colonel Bedell was stationed with 
four hundred men and two pieces of cannon. Assembling a 
force of six hundred, mostly Indian warriors, Captain Foster, 
who commanded at OsAvegatchie, descended the river to at- 
tack this post. 

Colonel Bedell, leaving Major Butterfield in command, re- 
paired to Montreal to obtain assistance. Shortly afterwards, 
Captain Foster appeared, and invested the fort. He had no 
artillery ; and, in the course of two days, but one man was 
wounded. More efficient than his arms was the intimation, 
that, if any of the Indians should be killed, it Avould not be 
in his power to restrain them from the massacre of the gar- 
rison. Intimidated b}'^ this, Major Butterfield surrendered his 
whole party prisoners of war, stipulating only for their bag- 
gage and their lives. 

Upon the representation of Colonel Bedell, a reinforce- 
ment was ordered to march from Montreal ; but he declined 
returning with it, and the command was given to Major Sher- 
burne. The day after the surrender of the fort, of which event 



THE UNITED STATES. 217 

loss of the An encans was at least five hundred 

J^zieui^^ ^r ';° d'.rth:z' tr' t"^--' 

found between four and'CtVoustd mt "Bu'lha'at" "% 
the pursuit ceased : but General ^n^vTr,- v ^- ^^' ^^^^^^' 

patrir^ the day i1 il^w """■"■"'.'^'^H'Po^ntment to the 

thfconSacy'Z^tttereertrruk?.tS^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
Dies more important have been left defenceless ' 

CHAPTER XXI. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 

of Pennsylvai'L and 4rH ur 1 1 '' '"1"^,'""* '''''^" ^°^^™«'- 
A few da^-B aft^-rarit ' ; were told bv\'h '""'"''''/^''"^ 
no answer would be made tn it T?' ^ ,*'"' minister, that 
dictated this reply actuated a •l»r? '"""" ^''"^"j' 'P'"* «"»* 
of parliament. ' n December anTct"'''''"*^ °^'"'"' '"""^"^ 
all trade with the coSs n,f/? ?'■ *^? P^^^ed prohibiting 
demnation of a U rmerica,; ^,"t>on«ng the capture and con- 

witha relinemert ta cr" eHy w," , e^vf '^\Z <'''''«'"' ' ^"'^' 
feelings of the kins audmnTJ T '"''''.'' *^ ^asperated 

as seamen or nm L^e all e ^nZ'^'^'r" ',' '^^''"1 to^""", 
and compel them t"dol'tv as such";? °° ^"^ ^"ch vessels! 
they might be obii-^ed to fi Jh? » • ' I'if P'acmg them where 
and country • Treaties wefeiur'"!,' *''"•"; "-^l^tives, friends, 
Hesse and'othXrman'i^itrT, riu" '='"<'«"™ "^ 

thousand men, to be emplo:Jed Sin's^th^e Aml'ile^nr/rnd"" 



218 HISTORY OF 

■^as determined to send over, in addition to these, twe^ty-Iiw 
thousand English troops. 

As soon as intelligence of the act of parliament reached 
America, the congress authorised ihe colonists to fit out pri- 
vateers and capture British vessels. They also, casting olf 
the shackles of connnercial monopoly, opened their ports to all 
the world, except the dominions of (Ireat Britain. They ap- 
pointed INIr. Dumas^ of Holland, their agent in that republic ; 
and sent Silas Deane*!, of Connecticut, to France, to appear 
there as a commercial agent, but with secret instructions tp, 
hold political conferences with the French ministry. 

In the beginning of the year 17 7(1, a tleet under Sir Peter 
Parker, and two thousand live hundred troops, commanded by 
Earl Cornwallis, were despatched ujion an expedition against 
the southern colc^nies. Soon after, Admiral llotiiain set sail 
with a large number of transports, carrying the first division 
of Hessians; and, in May, followed Admiral Lord Howe, who 
who had* been ai)pointed commander of the naval force on 
the American station. He, and his brother, (Jeneral Howe, had 
also been appointed joint commissioners to grant pardons on 
submission. 

On the first of INIay, the fleet, under Sir Peter Parker, arrived 
on the coast of North Carolina, where Sir Henry Clinton, ar- 
riving at the same time from New York, took command of 
the troops. The late defeat of the Highland emigrants had so 
dispirited the loyalists in this colony, that he determined to 
proceed farther south, and attack Charleston, the capital of 
South Carolina. 

Fortunately, an official letter, announcing the sjieedy depar- 
ture of the expedition from Ihigland, had been intercepted 
early in the spring ; and time was thus given to place this 
city' in a state of defence. A strong fort was built on Sulli- 
van's Island — a position from which ships, on entering the 
harbour, could be greatly annoyed ; the streets, in different 
places, were strongly barricaded ; the stores on the wharves, 
though of great value, Avere pulled down, and hues of defence 
erected along the water's edge. 

On learning the near ajiproach of the enemy, the militia of 
the country were sunnnoned to defend the capital. They 
obeyed with alacrity, increasing to five or six thousand the . 
number of troops. General Lee had been sent from New 
York to take the chief command ; and his high military repu- 
tation gave confidence to the soldiers and inhabitants. Under 
him were Colonels Gadsden, IMoultrie, and Thompsim. 

In the morning of the 2Stli of June, nine ships^f-war, car- 
rying two hundred and fifty guns, began a furious attack upon 
the fort on the island, which was garrisoned by about four 
hundred men, under the command of Colonel Moultrie. At 



THE UNITED STATES. 219 

the same timc^ a detachment of troops waH landed on an 
adjoining inland, and directed to cro88 over, at a place where 
the 8ea wan Hupposed to be Hhallow, and attack it m the 
rear. 

The heavy and incessant fire of the enemy was received 
with coolnoHH, and returned with Hkill. Many of tlieir ships 
suffered severely, and particularly the Bristol, on board of 
which was Commodore l*arker. She was twice in flames ; 
her captain was killed ; and so dreadful was the slaughter, 
that, at one time, the commodore was the only person upon 
deck unhurt. 

In the midst of the action, General Lee visited the garrison. 
He was delighted with th(! enthusiasm they exhibited. No- 
thing seemed capable of quenching their ardour. .Soldiers, 
mortally wounded, exhorted their comrades never to abandon 
the standard of liberty. " I die," said Sergeant M'Donald, in 
his last moments, " for a glorious cause; but I hope it will 
not exjiire with me." • 

The British troops, destined to attack thy fort in the rear, 
found it impossible to reach the island. The engagement with 
the fleet continued until dark. The ships, having received 
too much injury to renew it, moved off' in the night; and, a 
few days aiterwards, the fleet, with the troops on board, set 
sail for New YoyVl, where the whole British force had been 
ordered to assemble. 

The killed and wounded on the part of the enemy amounted 
to near two hundred. Of the Americans, ten were killed, and 
twenty-two wouuded. The troops, for their gallantry, re- 
ceived the thanks of congress, and high and well-merited 
praise from their countrymen. Their success was auspicious 
to i\w. cause of freedom. In a part of the country where re- 
sistance by force had been but little contemplated, it aroused 
the peoplf! to exertion, and inspired them with confidence. 

Notwithstanding the active war carried on, the colonies still 
professed allegiance to the British king ; and protested that the 
sole object of all their measures was a redress of grievances. 
In the beginning of the contest, these professions, in most in- 
stances, were sincere ; but a state of hostility produced a 
ra])id change of sentiment. In place of attachment to mon- 
archy and to Great Britain succeeded devotion to republican 
principles and wishes for independence. 

The temporary constitutions adopted by New Hampshire, 
and several other colonies, had shown with what facility all 
bonds of connection with the mother country could be dissolv- 
ed. Essays in tiie newspapers, and pamphlets, industriously 
circulated, appealing to the reason and to the passions of the 
people, enforced the necessity and policy of a separation. Re- 
sistance, it was observed, had been carried too far to allow 



220 HISTORY OF 

the hope that cordial harmony could ever be restored ; sub- 
missiofi on any terms to irritated masters, would be totally 
unsafe, and the alternative was presented of rising to the 
honourable rank of an independent nation, or sinking into a 
state of va:<salage which every future year would render more 
oppressive and degrading. 

A pamphlet entitled "Common Sense," and written by 
Thomas Paine, an Englishman, was universally read, and 
most highly admired. In language plain, forcible, and singu- 
larly well fitted to operate on the public mind, he portrayed 
the excellencies of republican institutions, and attacked, with 
happy and successful ridicule, the principles of hereditary go- 
vernment. The effect of the pamphlet, in making converts, 
■was astonishing, and is probably without precedent in the 
annals of literature. 

As a step preparatory to independence, congress, on the 
15tH of May, recommended to those colonies that had not yet 
adopted constitutions, to establish, -^thout any limitation 
of time, " such governments as might best conduce to the 
happiness and safety of the people." The recommendation 
was generallj'^ complied with ; and in every instance the go- 
vernment was not only entirely elective, but elective at such 
short periods as to impress upon rulers their immediate ac- 
countableness to the people, and upon the people a just 
opinion of their own importance, and a conviction of their 
safety Irom misrule. 

The colonies had become accustomed to contemplate them- 
selves as sovereign states ; and the governments of many ex- 
pressed their desire that congress would declare them such to 
the world. On the 7th of June, a resolution to that effect 
■was proposed, in that bodj'^, by Richard Henry Lee, of Vir- 
ginia, and seconded by John Adams, of Massachusetts. While 
under consideration, the colonies which had not expressed their 
approbation of the measure, declared their concurrence. The 
resolution was adopted on the 2d day of July. A committe, 
consisting of JNIessrs. Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Sherman, and 
Livingston, were instructed to prepare a Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, which, on the 4th of July, — a memorable day, — was 
almost unanimously adopted. 

" We hold these truths," saj'-s this celebrated state paper, 
'^to be self-evident — that all mankind are created equal; that 
they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable 
rights ; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit 
of happiness ; that, to secure these rights, governments 
are instituted among men deriving their just powers from 
the consent of the governed ; that, whenever any form of 
government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the 
right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute 



THE UNITED STATES. 221 

a new government, laying its foundations on such principles, 
and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem 
most likely to effect their safety and happiness." 

To justify the exercise, on the present occasion, of the right 
here asserted, a long enumeration is made of the injuries in- 
flicted upon the colonies by the king of Great Britain, which 
18 closed by declaring that '' a prince whose character is thus 
marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be 
the ruler of a free people." 

The appeals which had been made to the people of Great 
Britain, are also recounted ; ^'but they too have been deaf to 
to the voice of justice and consanguinity. We must therefore 
acquiesce to the necessity which denounces onr separation, and 
hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in 
peace friends. 

" We, therefore, representatives of the United States of 
America, m general congress assembled, appealing to the 
Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, 
do, in the name, and by the authority, of the good people of 
these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these United 
Colonies are, and of rightought tobe,rREE and independent 
states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British 
crown, and that all political connection between them and the 
state of Great Britain is, and of right ought to be, totally dis- 
solved ; and that, as free and independent states, they have 
full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, 
establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which 
independent states may of right do. And for the support 
ot this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of 
Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our 
lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour." 

This declaration was communicated to the army, and re- 
ceived with enthusiastic plaudits. A great majority of the 
people welcomed it with joy, which was displayed, in almost 
every city, by extraordinary public festivities. A letter written 
by John Adams to his wiie, on the 3d day of July, the day 
alter the resolution was agreed to, transmits, better than the 
historian can describe, the feelings of the patriots of that 
time. '' The day is past. The 2d day of July, 1776, will be 
a memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to 
believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the 
Great Anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, 
as the day of deliverance, to be solemnized with pomp, shows, 
games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations trom 
one end of the continent to the other, from this tune torw urd 
for ever. 

"You will think me transported with enthusiasm; but I 
am not, I am well aware of the toil, and bloody and treasure. 



222 HISTORY OF 

that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support 
and defend these states. Yet, through all this gloom, I can 
see the rays of light and glory ; I can see that the end is more 
than worth all the means, and that })0sterity will triumph, al- 
though you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not." 

Unfortunately, an entire union of sentiment on the subject 
did not exist. Those who had been denominated tories were 
averse to a separation ; and between them and the whigs, 
feelings of bitter hostility — the more bitter from their being 
fellow-countrymen — arose, and grew stronger as the contest 
proceeded. They were suspected and accused, doubtless in 
many cases justly, of acting as spies for the enemy. Many 
joined the royal armies : the property of many was confiscated ; 
many were confined to their farms; many, by such tribunals 
as existed; were sentenced to be tarred and feathered ; and 
many, whenever they could be caught, suffered that indignity 
without sentence or hearing. Ancient enmities were often 
thus gratified under colour of patriotic indignation. Congress 
passed a resolution condemning and forbidding these lawless 
persecutions; but nothing could assuage the hatred which 
each class felt for the other. 

During the spring and summer, unremitted exertions were 
made to fortify the city of New York, against which, it was 
supposed, the whole strength of the enemy would be next 
directed. In this crisis the ])eople of that state acted Avith 
spirit and firumess. One fourth of the militia of the counties 
contiguous to the city, were called into the })ublic service. 
Yet the means, in the power of the commander-in-chief, were 
not adequate to the emergency. He had under his command 
but fourteen thousand effective men ; and was almost desti- 
tute of many articles which impart strength as well as com- 
fort to an army. As it was in the power of the enemy to 
choose their point of attack, this force was necessarily divided. 
A part M'ere stationed in the city, a part at Brooklyn, on Long 
Island, and small detachments at various other posts. 

In the beginning of .Tuly, Admiral and General Howe ar- 
rived in the harbour of New York. They were accompanied 
by a powerful naval force, and by an army of twenty-four 
thousand men, abundantly supplied with military stores. The 
troops were landed on Staten Island, a position from which 
ulterior movements could most conveniently be made. 

General "Washington, presuming that the first attack would 
be made upon the posts at Brooklyn, strengthened it by a de- 
tachment of troops from the city, and gave the command of it 
to General Putnam. On the 22d of August, the British forces 
were landed on the opposite side of Long Island. The two 
armies were now about four miles asunder, and were separated 
by a range of hills, over which passed three main roads, ^"ari- 



TH« UNITED STATES. 223 

ous circumHtances led General Patnam to suHpect that the 
enemy intended to approach him by the road leading to his 
right, which he therelore guarded with moHt care. 

Very early in the morning of the 20th, his Huspicions wer^ 
B^rengtiiened by the npproach, upon that road, of a column of 
British troojis, and upon the centre road, of a column of Iles- 
Hians. To op])08e these, the Ameri:;an troops were mostly 
drawn from their camp, and, in the engagements which took 
place, evinced considerable bravery. 

These movements of the enemy were but feints to divert the 
attention of Putnam from the road which led to his left, along 
which General Clinton was silently advancing with the main 
body of the British army. The report of cannon in that direc- 
tion gave the fir«t intimation of the danger which was ap- 
proaching. The Americans endeavoured to escape it, by re- 
turning, with the utmost celerity, to their camp. They were 
not able to arrive there in time, but were intercepted by Gene- 
ral Clinton, who drove them back upon the Hessians. 

Attacked thus in front and rear, they fought a succession of 
skirmishes, in the course of which many were killed, many 
made prisoners, and several parties, seizing favourable oppor- 
tunities, forced their way through the enemy, and regained the 
ca'mp. A bold and vigorous charge, made by the American 
general. Lord Stirling, at the head of a Maryland regiment, 
enabled a large body to escape in this manner. This regi- 
ment, fighting with desperate bravery, kept a force greatly 
superior engaged, until their comrades had passed by, when 
the few Avho survived, ceasing to resist, surrendered to the 
enemy. 

The loss of the American.s, in killed, wounded, and pri- 
soners, considerably exceeded a thousand. Among the latter 
were Generals Sullivan, Stirling, and Woodhull. The total 
loss of the enemy was less than four hundred. They encamp- 
ed at night before the American lines, and the next day began 
to erect batteries within six hundred yards of their left. 

While the battle was raging, General Washington passed 
over to Brooklyn, where he witnessed, with inexj)ressible an- 
guish, the destruction of his best troops, from which, such 
was the superiority of the. enemy, it was impossible to save 
them. Finding the men dispirited by defeat, he determined 
to remove them to the city. The retreat was effected on the 
night of the 2Hth, with such silence and desT)atch, that, before 
the suspicions of the enemy were excited, the last division of 
boats was beyond the reach of their lire. 

So disheartened Avere the militia, that they deserted by 
companies; and even the regular troops were infected by their 
example. Near the middle of September, the commander-in- 
chief, fearing to be enclosed in the city, retired to the heights 



224 HISTORY OP 

of lIiUM'leni. The tMioniy invinodiutoly took possossion. A few 
days afterwards, a fuv broke out whieh eonsunied about a 
thousand liouses. 

(leneral AVashiuu:ton. after retleetiiig' u^hui the pveuts whieh 
had already oeeurred ; after cousiderinij- the inexiierieuee oi' 
his troops, the eonditiou of the eoui\try, and the distance of 
the enemy from their resources, — determined to adopt a cau- 
tious system of warfare ; to risk at present no general engage- 
ment ; to harass and ^\ ear out the enemy by keeping them in 
continual motion ; and to inspire his own troops with courage, 
by engaging tiiem in skirmishes, in all cases where success 
was probable. In one, fought on the lUh of SejUember, the 
brave Colonel Knowlton was killed; but the result was so 
decidedly faxourable to the Americans, that the troops re- 
covered their spirits, and the general was contirmed in the 
system he had adopted. 

After the battle on Long Island, Admiral Howe sent Gene- 
ral Sullivan, who was there made prisoner, to Philadelphia, 
with the message to the congress, that he and his brother, 
Cumeral Howe, had full ])Owers to settle the dispute between 
Great Ih-itain and the colonies; that he could not treat with 
the congress as such, but M'as desirous of meeting some of the 
members, as private individuals, at such place as they should 
appoint. Doctor Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Kut- 
ledge, were, in consequence, sent to Staten Island, where they 
had a confenmce with Admiral Howe in September. 'riu\v 
told him that they came as a connniftee of congress, and nuist 
so consider themselves; but he might consider them in what 
light he jileased. The conference was short. He nu\de no 
in-oposition but that a general pardon should be granted, with 
such exceptions as might be thought expedient, upon the re- 
turn of the colonies to their allegiance ; adding, however, 
strong but vague assurances that there was a good disposition 
in the king and ministry to redress their grievances. The com- 
mittee replied, that a return to the domination of Great Bri- 
tain was not to be expected ; that the colonies considered 
themselves independent states, but were desirous of peace, 
and were ready to conclude a treaty with C^reat Britain on 
terms that would be advantageous to both countries. An ac- 
count of the conference was published, by order of the con- 
givss, for the information of their constituents. It i^evived in 
few or none the ancient sentiments ot" h\valtv ; in most it gave 
birth to feelings of contempt and disdain. 

The movements of the enemy, in the beginning of October, 
indicated an intention of gaining the rear of the Americans, 
and cutting olf their connnunication with the Eastern States. 
The army, therefore, quitting llaerlem, moved northward to- 
wards White Plains. (General Howe })ursued, making several 



I 



TflK TJNITKD HTATEB. ' 225 

' rt wr, r"'''1 '"■'-■'""' '">"•■"■''" "•''■"' ^''-k.a.Kl ;,tl.,;k 
I thf n„dKo„, ami ahont t,m „,il,H abov,. tho city. I„ .«e 

Oa tho JOth of November, four (livinitniH of tlie enPrnVH 

H^ruilf (i.utcrM Hm. garriHon, jiiir particularlv the HHf.mPr. 
under Colonel Itawiin.^s, fought bravely. Tin. Gernmr f w ro 

bined and vigorous attack.s were at length HueeeHHful The 
ammun.tiori in the fort bein^ nearly e.hausted/and all t e 
outpoHts driven ,n, the commander, on beini,^ a necon ti o 
Hummoned,a,re,. to capitulate on 'honourable tern T " 
was the HevereHt blow the enemy had yet felt. The loss of ' 

^^uZZa;^!:'''' -''-' ^''"^'^^^ -- ^^^^^^^ ^^ 

Fort Lee was immediately evacuated, the irarrinon ioinintr 
hfs"amuw.rr'"'f "^- ";-' ';^' ^"•'^'^^•^"'•^' wit 'one dTviHrol- 
(icrthecomniandof (General Lee, in xVew York. His force 
oven when auKm(,.nte.d by the f^^arrinon, conninted but of three 
nioun.nduiUu:Uy,nnn^; ,,,1 they w.re destitute of ten tl of 
^.nkets and oven of ufensils to cook their provisions if « 
hrnt station was Newark; but, the enemy pursuing him e 
was c Hnpelh-d to retreat successivc^iy to Ib-urUv h I^o PHnc - 
ton to Tn.nton, and, finally, to cross'the J3elawar "'into Ivnn- 

fluXifVi '' "^^''^^^'''' P'^^'"'^^ tJ'^t the advance of 

llie^ JJntiHh army was often in siKht. 

dailT' V/n fh^l '''f ^7'i^ "^^'""t ^''" ''^'''''^ ^^'"^^"' '<^ diminislied 
ft -^1 4. ! ^ '^•^^.^'^t «f November, many of his troops were en- 
titled to their dischar.^e, and not one of them could be per- 
Ruadr..d o cont.nu.. another day in service. Such, he feared 
woud be IH,. conduct of the ren.ainder, whose time would 
t'xpire at the end of the year. In this extremity he nr^rpd 
General Lee to hasten to his assistance; but th.t ofTlrPr. hav- 
\l^ ^7- ^"!:P'*'^''« >^' ^jf*^. del.'.ved his march Ib^ eiillcd on 
hiH cal 'n. N<'vv/(;rs«y and Pennsylvania, but ncme obeyed 
m cdll. ^Ihe population around liiin were hostile or despond- 



226 HISTORY OF 

ing, and withheld all aid from an army, whose career seemed 
near its termination. 

In this darkest hour in American history, General Howe is- 
sued a proclamation commanding' all persons in arms against 
his majesty to disband themselves, and all congresses, commit- 
tees, and associations, to desist from their treasonable doings, 
and relinquish their usur[)ed authority ; and he engaged that 
all persons who should, within sixty days, appear before a 
British officer, and sul)scnbe a declaration that they would be 
obedient to his Majesty, should receive a full and free pardon 
of all treasons committed. The contrast between a ragged, 
suffering, retreating army, and a full-clad, powerful, exulting 
foe, induced many, despairing of success, to subscribe the de- 
claration, and accept of pardon. Among them were Mr. Gal- 
loway and INIr. Allen, who had been members of the Continen- 
tal Congress. 

A timely and eloquent address of the New York convention, 
published in answer to the proclamation, served to sustain and 
revive the courage of many. They referred to its artful mis- 
representations ami insidious })romises ; appealed to the love 
of liberty and the patriolismof the people ; described, without 
palliation or concealment, the gloomy condition of affairs ; 
and then held up to view the conduct of tlie Romans: '* After 
the armies of Rome had been repeatedly defeated by Hanni- 
bal ; whim that imperial city was besieged by that brave 
general, at the head of a vic'torious army ; so confident were 
they of their own ])rowess, and of the protection of Heaven, 
that the very ground on which the ("'arthaginians were en- 
camped sold at auction for more than the usual price. They 
disdanied to receive the protection of Hannibal, or to regard 
his i)roclamations. They remembered that their ancestors had 
left them free — ancestors who had bled in rescuing their coun- 
try from the tyranny of kings. They invoked the protection 
of the Supreme Being ; they bravely defended their city, re- 
pelled the enemy, and recovered tlieir country." 

As the British army approached Philadelphia, Congress ad- 
journed to Baltimore, having previously invested General 
Washington "with full power to order and direct all things 
relative to the department and to the operations of war." Such 
unlimited authority could not have been placed in hands more 
worthy to hold it. To the elastic energy of his mind, and his 
perfect self-possession in the most desperate circumstances, is 
America, in a great degree, indebted for her independence. 

On the day that he was driven over the Delaware, the Bri- 
tish took possession of Rhode Island On the 13th of Decem- 
ber, General Lee. having wandered "from his army, was sur- 
l>iised and uiken prisoner. In the experience and talents of 
of this officer, the people reposed great confidence, and they 



THE UNITED STATES. 227 

lamented his loss like that of an army. In its consequences, 
his capture was fortunate. The command of his division de- 
volved upon General HuUivan, who conducted it promptly to 
General Washington, augmenting his army to nearly seven 
thousand effective men. 

Still so much stronger were the enemy, that they regarded 
the rebels — for so they delighted to call the j)atriots of that 
day — as almost subdued, and doubted not that a vigorous at- 
tempt, whenever they should be disposed to make it, would 
l)lace in their power the handful of men before them. They 
rioted upon the plunder of the country, and enjoyed in pros- 
pect the fruits of an assured and decisive victory. 

Washington saw that this tide of ill fortune must be stem- 
med — must even be rolled back upon the enemy — or it would 
soon overwlu'lm his country. He resolved to hazard all in one 
vigorous effort for victory. On the night of the 25th of De- 
cember, at the head of two thousand four hundred men, he 
crossed the Delaware at Trenton, surprised a body of Hes- 
sians stationed at that place, took nine hundred prisoners, and 
immediately re-crossed, having lost but nine of his men. 

This sudden and ^^even; blow awakened the enemy to acti- 
vity. Cornwallis, who had repaired to New York, entrusting 
to his inferior officers the task of finishing the war, returned, 
with additional troops, to regain the ground that had been 
lost. He concentrated all his forces at Princeton ; and soon 
after, Washington, having been joined by a body of Pennsyl- 
vania militia, and persuaded the New England troops to serve 
six weeks longer, again crossed the Delaware, and took post 
at Trenton, 

On the 2nd of January, 1777, the greater part of the British 
army marched to attack tlip Americans. In the evening, they 
encamped near Trenton, in full expectation of a battle and 
victory in the morning. Washington, sensible of the inferio- 
rity of his force, — sensible, too, that flight would be almost as 
fatal as defeat, — conceived another bold project, which he re- 
solved instantly to execute. 

About midnight, having renewed his fires, he silently de- 
camped, and gaining, by a circuitous route, the rear of the 
enemy, marched towards Princeton, where he presumed Corn- 
wallis had left a part of his troops. At sunrise, the van of the 
American forces met unexpectedly two British regiments. A 
sharp action ensued ; the tbrmer gave way. At this crisis, 
when all was at stake, the commander-in-chief led the main 
body to the attack. The enemy were routed, and fled. For- 
tunately, the hertjic Washington, though exposed to both tires, 
and but a few yards distant from either party, escaped unhurt. 

Instead of pursuing them, he pressed forward to Princeton, 
where one regiment yet remaiued. Part saved themselves by 



228 HISTORY OF 

a precipitate flight ; about three hundred were made prisoners. 
The British loss in killed was upwards of one hundred ; the 
American was less, but in the number were the brave General 
Mercer, and several valuable officers. Among the wounded 
was Lieutenant James Monroe, afterwards raised to the high- 
est office in the gift of his fellow-citizens. 

In consternation, the British army immediately evacuated 
Trenton, and retreated to New Brunswick. The inhabitants, 
resuming their courage, and giving full force to their rage, 
which fear had smothered, took revenge for the brutalities 
they had suffered. The enemy were driven from all their 
posts in New Jersey, except Amboy and Brunswick, and the 
American army obtained secure winter quarters at Morris- 
town. 

The brilliant victories at Trenton and Princeton j-aised, 
from the lowest depression, the spirits of the American people. 
They regarded Washington as the saviour of his country. He 
became the theme of eulogy throughout Europe ; and having 
displayed, as occasions demanded, the opposite qualities of 
caution and impetuosity, he received the honourable and ap- 
propriate appellation of the American Fabius. 

During this year, the war was not confined wholly to the 
land. Even in 1775, many privateers were fitted out in the 
ports of Massachusetts : late in that year, congress authorized 
the construction of thirteen vessels of war carrying from 
twenty-four to thirty-two guns each ; and a part of these were 
soon launched and made ready for sea. In the succeeding 
year, the privateers multiplied rapidly, and by them and the 
national cruisers many British merchantmen were captured. 
Immediately after the evacuation of Boston, thirty ships and 
several transports, carrying five hundred troops, bound to that 
port from England, were taken off the harbour. No where on 
the ocean were British merchantmen safe from American pri- 
vateers. They ventured into the European seas, and even into 
the English Channel, where they made many valuable prizes. 
At one time, the alarm they occasioned was so great that 
British ships hardly dared venture to sea, and the rate of in- 
surance rose enormously. The prizes were sent into the ports 
of France, Spain, and Holland, and there sold, without the 
formality of condemnation or trial. The number taken in this 
and the last year was estimated at eight hundred, and their 
value at five millions of dollars. 



i 



THE UNITED STATES.' 229 

CHAPTER XXII. 

CAMPAIGN OF 17 7 7. 

The labours of the Continental congress were almost as ar- 
duous as those of the army. They were continually in ses- 
sion, and constantly occupied in the performance of multi- 
farious, perplexing, and important duties. Their patriotism 
and firmness, when disaster and defeat had almost annihilated 
the American armies, entitles them to a high rank among the 
founders of the repuljlic. They exhibited no symptom of fal- 
tering or of terror. In September, 1776, they voted to raise 
an army to take the place of that which was to be disbanded 
at the end of the year ; aud made sensible, by experience, that 
short enlistments had been the cause of most of the misfortunes 
of the country, they resolved that the new levies should be 
enlisted to serve three years, or during the war, at the option 
of the individual recruits. The new army was to consist of 
eighty battalions, of which New Hampshire was required to 
raise three; Massachusetts, fifteen ; Rhode Island two ; Con- 
necticut, eight ; New York, four ; New Jersey, four ; Pennsyl- 
vania, twelve; Delaware, one; Maryland, eight; Virginia, 
fifteen; North Carolina, nine; South Carolina, six ; Georgia, 
one. From this requisition some idea may be formed of the 
relative importance of the states at that period. 

To raise money to pay and support their army was the most 
difficult of all their duties. They had begun by an emission 
of bills of credit similar to the treasury notes of later times ; 
these for a while passed current at their nominal value, most 
people, while the amount was small, believing that they would 
be paid, and no patriot choosing to discredit by refusing them. 
Other emissions followed ; the tories decried them, and they 
began to depreciate. In October, the congress, having no 
power to lay a tax, and fearing to destroy the credit of their 
bills by increasing the amount, opened loan-offices in the se- 
veral states, and proposed to borrow, at an interest of four 
per cent , five millions of dollars, reimbursable in three years. 
In this way sufficient relief was not obtained ; and other 
emissions of paper money were from necessity made. To pre- 
vent it from depreciating still more, the congress, in January, 
1777, resolved that it ought to be made a tender in payment 
of all public and private debts ; and declared that any one 
who should refuse to receive it at the same rate as gold and 
silver, should be deemed an enemy to his country. This reso- 
lution had the force of law with some, but not with all. The 
bills CQotinued to depreciate ; or, in other words, the price of 



230 HISTORY OP 

all articles rose, and rose enormously. Debtors paid in Con- 
tinental money at par ; but a man having property to sell, and 
knowing there was no other money in circulation, might, and 
did, set his own price upon it. Upon the recommendation of 
the congress, many, if not all, of the states then passed laws 
establishing the prices of various articles, especially of those 
wanted for the support of the army, and authorizing pur- 
chasing commissaries to take what, in their opinion, any owner 
could spare, at the established prices. Arbitrary as these 
measures were, the people, seeing that they were deemed ne- 
cessary to accomplish their own object, submitted, few com- 
plaining, and none daring to resist. 

The hope of foreign aid liad, in all their disasters, cheered 
onward the congress as well as the people. To interest other 
nations in their cause, they solemnly declared that they would 
listen to no terms of peace which required a relinquishment of 
their independence, or which should deprive other nations of a 
free trade to their ports. They believed that the arrogant 
tone and lofty bearing of Great Britain, which her brilliant 
successes under Pitt had led her to assume, would induce the 
sovereigns of Europe to receive their applications with favour ; 
and they relied still more on the hereditary enemity of France, 
embittered by her late humiliation. They therefore appointed 
political agents to Austria, Spain, Prussia, and Tuscany. They 
had before sent Silas Deane as secret agent to Paris, where he 
had been well received, and had, by the connivai>ce of the 
ministry, obtained and forwarded considerable supplies of mu- 
nitions of war. They now appointed, as commissioners to 
that court, Dr. Franklin, Mr Deane, and Arthur Lee, instruct- 
ing them to solicit a further su])ply of warlike stores, and the 
acknowledgment of the independence of the United States. 
Deane and Lee were already in Europe. Franklin arrived 
there in December. The cause of which he was the advocate, 
and his own great fame as a philosopher, procured him a flat- 
tering reception from all ranks of people. America, her 
minister, her struggle against oppression, became the themes 
of popular discourse, and the government itself became more 
and more i)ropitious to her cause. 

But they declined all open recognition of the new republic 
knowing that a war with England would be the ccmsequence. 
They granted aid, however, by permitting arms, covertly 
taken from the public arsenals, to be sent thither They 
placed her trade and that of Great Britain on an equal footing. 
They connived at the sale, in their West India Islands, and 
even in the ports of France, of prizes taken by American pri- 
vateers. They, enjoining secrecy, made the congress a dona- 
tion of two millions of livres in money, and encouraged them 
to expect still more. Their conduct showed that they were 



THE UNITED STATEci. 231 

willing to aid in distrewHing and humbling Great Britain ; and 
were willing that the war between her and her colonies Hhould 
be long protracted ; but chose to avoid committing France as 
a party in the quarrel. 

So popular was the cause of the United States, and so 
exalted the character of their military leader, that many French 
officers sought an opportunity of engaging in their service. 
Among these the young marquis de la Fayette was most con- 
spicuous for his rank, and most distinguished for his ardour and 
enthusiasm. At an early period, he communicated to the 
American agents his wish to join the republican armies. At 
hrst, they encouraged his zeal; but, learning the disasters which 
preceded the victory at Trenton, they, with honourable frank- 
ness, communicated the information to him, and added that 
they were so destitute of funds, that Ihoy could not even pro- 
vide for his passage across the ocean. 

"If your country," replied the gallant youth, "is indeed 
reduced to this extremity, it is at this moment that my depar- 
ture to join her armies will render her the most essential ser- 
vice." He immediately hired a vessel to convey him to 
America, where he arrived in the spring of 1777- He was re- 
ceived with cordial affection by the people, became the bosom 
friend of Washington, solicited i)ermission to serve without 
pay and was appointed major-general in the army. 

In the last campaign, more prisoners' had been taken by the 
British than by the Americans. They were detained at New 
York, and were confined in churches and prison ships, where 
tliey endured the extremity of wretchedness. Tliey were ex- 
posed, without tire and almost with clothes, to tlie inclemency 
of a sevm? winter; were often whole days without food, and 
when food was offerer!, it ^vas but a miserable pittance, 
damaged and loathsome. Many died of hunger, and more of 
diseases produced by their complicated sufferings. 

Washington remonstrated with warmth, and threatened 
retaliation. After his victories in New Jersey, their treatment 
was less inhuman. An exchange was agreed upon; but many, 
when attempting to walk from their places of confinement to 
the vessels provided to convey them away, fell and expired in 
the streets. Yet, in th(! midst of these unparalleled sufferings, 
they had exhibited fortitude more rare, and more honourable 
to human nature, than the highest display of valour in battle. 
To entice them to enlist in the royal army, they were promised 
relief from misery, and the enjoyment of abundance. They 
rejected the offer with disdain ; thus giving to the world the 
noblest proof of the absence of all mercenary motive, and of 
the sincerity and fervour of their devotion to their country. 

Before the campaign opened in the spring, a detachment of 
the royal army was sent to destroy a quantity of stcjres de- 



232 HISTORY OF 

posited, by the Americans, at Peekskill, about fifty miles above 
New York. The guard, being too few to defend them, set the 
store houses on fire and withdrew. In April, Governor Tryon, 
appointed major-general, led another detachment, consisting 
of two thousand men, to destroy stores deposited at Danbury, 
in Connecticut. He proceeded from New York by water to 
the vicinity of Fairfield, where he landed, and marched to the 
place of his destination. Eighteen houses and a large quan- 
tity of pork, beef, wheat, and flour, and seventeen hundred 
tents, were burnt. About eight hundred of the inhabitants 
assembled, and, under the direction of Generals Wooster, Ar- 
nold, and Silliman, pursued the enemy on their return. Arnold, 
making a rapid movement, took post in their front ; Wooster 
attacked them in the rear. He was mortally wounded, and 
then his troops gave way. The enemy proceeded to Ridgefield, 
where they met Arnold, who had barricaded the road, but was 
compelled, after a smart contest of nearly an hour, to retreat. 
They remained there that night, in the morning set the village 
on fire, and pursued their march. At eleven, they again met 
Arnold, who accompanied them, skirmishing by the way, to 
their boats. They lost, in the expedition, about one hundred 
and seventy men ; the Americans, one hundred. 

Retaliation quickly followed. It was known that the Bri- 
tish had collected stores at Sag Harbour, on the east end of 
Long Island. In May, Lieutenant-Colonel Meigs, with one 
hundred and seventy men, embarked, at Guilford, in thirteen 
whale-boats, crossed the Sound, and landed near Southold. 
Thence the boats were carried fifteen miles over land to a bay, 
which was crossed, and the troops were again put on shore 
four miles from Sag Harbour. Marching to this place, they 
completely surprised it, killed six men, took ninety prisoners, 
burnt twelve vessels loaded with forage, and returned without 
losing a man, having been absent but tv/enty-five hours, and 
in that time traversed ninety miles. 

Near the end of May, the American army, which had been 
augmented by recruits to almost ten thousand men, moved 
from Morristown, and took a strong position at Middlebrook. 
The British, soon after, left their encampment, and General 
Howe endeavoured, by various movements, to induce General 
Washington to quit his stronghold and meet him on equal 
ground. But the latter, adhering to his Fabian system of 
warfare, determined to remain in the position he had chosen. 

General Howe, changing his purpose, transported his army 
to Staten Island. He there embarked sixteen thousand troops 
on board a large fleet, and, leaving Sir Henry Clinton in com- 
mand at New York, put out to sea on the 26th of July. His 
destination was carefully kept secret. On the 20th of August, 
the fleet entered Chesapeake Bay, and rendered it certain that 



THE UHlTED STATES. 233 

an attack upon Philadelphia was intended. The troops were 
landed at Elk Ferry, in Maryland, fifty miles south of that 
city. 

The Armerican army immediately crossed the Delaware, 
and, passing through Philadelphia, directed its march towards 
the enemy. The people, weary of delays and indecisive move- 
ments, demanded that a general engagement should be hazard- 
ed for the defence of the metropolis, ^yashington, yielding to 
their wishes, took a position on the eastern bank of Brandy- 
wine Creek, on the route between Elk Ferry and Philadelphia, 
and there awaited the approach of the enemy. 

The British force was estimated at sixteen or eighteen thou- 
sand ; the American, at eleven thousand. As the former ad- 
vanced, contradictory accounts of its movements embarrassed 
General Washington. In the forenoon of the 11th of Septem- 
ber, one division, commanded by General Kniphauseu, ap- 
peared, and made a feigned attempt to cross the creek at 
Chadsford, near which was stationed the American left wing. 
He was resisted, and a brisk action ensued. At two o'clock, 
Washington received certain information that the main body, 
having crossed the creek higher up, was hastening to attack 
the right flank of his right wing. That wing was immediately 
directed to change its position ; and, as soon as it had done so, 
it was attacked with great fury. After a spirited but short 
contest, it gave away, and retreated upon the centre, then 
marching to support it, which also gave way, and retired 
down the creek to Chadsford. By this time, Kniphausen had 
crossed over, and attacked the left wing, which, on the arri- 
val of the other divisions, gave way also, and the whole army 
retreated to Chester. 

Several portions of the republican army, particularly a 
brigade of Virginia troops, exhibited in this battle great lirm- 
ness and bravery. Its whole loss amounted to twelve hundred 
men; that of the British to no more than half that number. 
This disparity of loss was attributed to the circumstance that 
the American muskets, being obtained from various sources, 
were of different sizes, and tlie cartridges of course were not 
suitable for all. The marquis de la Fayette, and Pulaski, a 
Polish nobleman, took part in the engagement, and the former 
was wounded. The next day, the army retreated still far- 
ther, and encamped in the vicinity of Germantown. The re- 
sult of the battle dispirited neither the people nor the congress ; 
and both insisted that another should be hazarded for the safety 
of Philadelphia. 

To prevent the enemy from entering that city by the lower 
road, the bridge over the Schuylkill was removed. General 
Howe directed his march towards the Lancaster road near 
Goshen; and Washington, crossing the Schuylkill, marched 



234 HISTORY OF 

towards the same j)oint, Avith the view of offering him ba^ttlo. 
On the l()tli, the two armies came in sight of each other, and 
both, with ahii'rity, made i)reparation lor the coiillict. The 
advanced })jirtieH had met, Mhen it began to rain, at first 
gently, but soon with sm-h vioU'iice, as to ])iit an end to all 
lighting. On examination, the nniskets and powder of the 
Americans were found to have received so much injury as to 
be unlit for use; and Washington again crossed the Schuylkill, 
and encamjjed on its northern bank 

The se\erity of tlu> weather detained (General Howe on the 
ground until the 18th, wMien he proceeded on his march. 
(Jeneral ^Vayne^ with his division, hung nimn his rear, en- 
camping in the woods, where he believed himself secure ; but 
most of the inhabitants around him were disaffected, and 
(Jeneral Howe, receiving accurate accounts of his situation 
and force, despatclu^d (Jeneral (»rey to suri)rise him. The tire 
of iiis pi(|uet guard, in the night* of the 2()th, ga\e tJie Ih'st 
intelligence of his danger. The troops were instantly formed, 
but, being fiercely assailed, soon broke and lied, leaving nearly 
three hundred killed and wtuinded. 

Having thus secured his rear, Howe jiroceeded to the 
Schuylkill, halting near but above the American encampment, 
the river running between them, "Washington moved higher 
np, i)lacing himself between the enemy and Iveading, where a 
large quantity of stores were dei)Osited. In the night of the 
22d, Howe began a rapid march down the ri\er towards 
Philadelphia. In a council of war, it was unanimously de- 
cided that pursuit was inexpedient: he entered the city on the 
2()th, the congress, which had returned thither in INIarch, 
having previously adjourned io Lancaster. The main body of 
his army Mas encam])ed at (Jernuintown. 

CuMaral Howe and his friends boasted that he had out- 
generalled the rebel counnander; but neither he nor they M'ere 
aware of the weakness of his army. It was inferit)r in num- 
bers, and a part were nndiscii)li\uHi militia ; it was di^ticient in 
arms, in jn-ovisions, and in clothing; and fatigue and sutlering 
detracted, besides, nmch from its efliciency. After the battle 
of Brandywine, the troops were often separated from their 
baggage; Avere olten exi)osed to heavy rains without shelter; 
many were obliged to march without shoes, and to sleep on 
the ground without blankets. Could they have been required 
io tight and compter such an army as Howe's':' 

The transactions of the connnanding armies at the north, 
since the terminationof the expedition to (\inada, now demand 
our attention. The Americans halted at Crown Point, the 
British at St. Johns, and both emj)loyed the remainder of the 
summer in buildinjj vessels and nniking preparations to secure 
the command of Lake Champlain, 



THE UNITED HTATEB. 235 

On tho I J til of October, 1770, tlio ArriHrican and BritiHli 
HciUiidroiiH ni(3t, C'olonel Arnold, who had Ixjon a sailor in hin 
youth, commanfling tho former. After a HJiort cont(!Ht, the 
(3netny, not then bt'iug ahh^ to brin^ their winkle forci; into ac- 
tion, retired. 'I'lu; next day, they returrnsd to the? cornbal, and, 
beinfi^ g-r(!atly Huj)erior, drove; the American Hciuadnm Ixjfon; 
them to the iKN'id of the lak(!. A nharp action tlKsntook j)lace : 
tin* onicers and men fought gallantly ; but Arnold, hjning a 
part of his force, and ])erceiving defcjat to lu? inevitable;, ran 
the remainder of his vfjHHeln on nliore, and wet them on firo. 

Winter apjjroaching, (;overnor C'arleton returned with his 
troopH to (Canada, (^leneral Hurgoyne, who had served under 
him during the last cam])aign, madt; a vovage to Knglanfl to 
conc(;rt a plan for future oi)erati(ms. It was deterniiiied that 
a powerHil army, de]);irfing from Mcmtreal, should proceed, 
by way of Lake; Champliun, to the; Hudson, with the view of 
obtaining, by the co-o|)('ration of the army at New York, tlu; 
(Mitire command of that river. All communication between 
the states of New England and the others lying south of tluim 
would thus b(; pr(!vent(!d. iOither section, alone and unsu[)- 
ported, coukl, it was supposed, bo (»asily subdued ; and the 
whole strength of the nation might then be directed against 
the other. 

Nothing was omitted which might insure the success of 
this project. Seven thousand choice troops, to be sent from 
England, were allotted to the service. They were Hupj)li«!d 
with an excellent train (jf brass artillery, and with every thing 
which could add to their efTlcH3ncy as an army. Explicit in- 
structions were sent to (jiovenior (.'arh^ton, who was averse to 
employing Indians in the war, to invite all of them to accom- 
j»any the exj)edition ; and though he had bec-n active, faithful, 
and successful, the ministry, passing by his claims, a])pointed 
Hiirgoynet(j command it, selecting (ienerals l*hilli])S, Reidesel, 
Fra/er, and Specht, olTicers of distinguished reputation, to 
serve unrler him. 

General Schuyler, of New York, a worthy officer, bnt not 
distinguished for brilliant military talents, had th(? chief com- 
mand in the northern department, lie was indefatigable in 
making preparations for defc^nce; and such was his zeal in the 
cause of inc3epend(.'nce, and such his deserved pojjularity in his 
native state, that he doubtless accomplished more than any 
other person could have done;. Still, at a late period in the 
spring, tin; fortifications were incomjilete; ; and as rumours 
were circulated, probably by the tories, that the exjiedition 
would land at New York, and not at Quebec, and a« (ieneral 
Schuyler unfortunately was not popular in New England, but 
few troops came to his aid from that region. 

\'ery early in the season, Burgoyne arrived at Quebec. He 



236 HISTORY OF 

immediately dospatcliod Colonel St. Leg-er, with a party of 
rej?iilars, torios and Indians, by the way of the St. Lawrence 
and Oswego to Fort Schuyler, formerly I'ort Stanwix, and 
situated in the i)resent townshij) of Home ; and directed him, 
after taking i)Ossession of the ibrt, to jjroceed down the Mo- 
hawk, and join him at Albany. AVith the main army, aug- 
mented in Canada to ten thousaiad men, he, in .June, 1777, en- 
tered the territory of the States, by the way of Lake Cham- 
j)lain. He halted at Crown Point, and at the mouth of the 
little river JBoquet, had a conference with a large body of In- 
dians, who had been collected to accomi)any him. In his ad- 
dress io them, he endeavoured, with commendable humanity, 
and in utter ignorance, perha})s,of tlie futility of his etlbrts, to 
"explain to them the dilVereu.e between civili/ed and savage 
warfare, and strictly enjoined them to si)are old men, Mn)men, 
and children. In a ])roclamation soon alter addressed to the 
people whom he had come to subdue, he, in the language of 
bombast, magnilied his own strength, reproved them i'oY their 
offences, assured them that they could only fmd safety in sub- 
mission, and threatened •' to let loose upi>n them the thousaiKls 
of Indians under his controul, who would penetrate into their 
most secret retreats, and i)unish with condign severity the 
hardened enemies of (ireat Ihitain." The effect of this pro- 
clamation was far dilVerent from that expected by its author. 
Its bombast and reproofs excited ridicule; its threats, indig;- 
nation. 

Ticonderoga stands a short distance in advance of Crown 
Point. Itfc> fortifications were extensive and strong ; but the 
garrison was insufficient to defend them against so powerful a 
force. 'riu> i>ost was connnanded by (ieneral St. Clair ; and 
he knew that his superiors and the peo})le supposed that he 
could, and ex})ected that he A\ould, make a resolute and 
a successful resistance. The desire to fulfil this expectation 
led to the greatest error of this campaign — not abandoning the 
post in season. Bnrgoyne tippeared before it on the 1st of 
July ; and his measures to invest it were planned with skill 
and pursued with energy and activity. A council of war, sum- 
moned by St. Clair, decided unanimously that it must be im- 
mediately abandoned. It was evauuated on the night of the 
oth, the troops crossing Lake Champlain, and retreating to- 
wards Castleton, in Vermont. The enemy pursued, and on 
the morning of their 7 Mi, the van overtook and attacked the 
American rear, under Colonels Francis and ^Varner. The ac- 
tion was warm and well contested ; but, other troops arriving 
to the aid of the British, the Americans were compelled to 
give way. 

The retreat now became precipitate and disorderly ; the 
pursuit^ rapid and persevering. At length, the republican 



THE TJNITED HTATES. 237 

a^my, diminiBhed in number, oxhauKtod by fatiguo, and diH- 
piritod by niiHfortiJuoH, arrived, by varioiiM routeH, at Fort 
J-^dwardjOn tlu; lIudHon, the hcad-tiuarterH of (;erieral Schuy- 
ler. Seldom ban a iu^iiwa army HiifT'ered greater miwery in 
flight. It \h Hupposed that many died of fatiguo and hunger 
in the woodH. 'I'lieHe diaaHtrouH eventw s]:)read terror and dinmay 
throughout the land. The people, ignorant of the weak- 
ne8H of the army, attributftd itH retreat to cowardice or trea- 
chery, and trembled at th(; danger.-* which menaced them from 
tlie HritiHli, rjcrmanH, and Havages 

The royal lorcen, elated by Huccesy, proceeded through the 
wilderneHH towards Tort Edward. Their progresH wan slow 
and toilsome. (General Schuyler, on their approach, evacuated 
the fort, and retired acroBH the Hudson to Saratoga. Soon 
after, he descended to the river Stillwater ; and, the liritish con- 
tinuing to advance, he retreated, on the Hth of August, to the 
islands at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson, a few 
miles north of Troy. About the same time, intelligence was 
received, that St. Leger had arrived at I'ort Schuyler, and in- 
vested it. 

The American general, before leaving Fort Edward, issued 
a proclamation calling to his aid the militia of New England 
and New York. Aroused by the danger, multitudes obeyed 
his call. Vermont poured forth her daring Green Mountain 
boys ; the other states of New J-higland, their hardy yeomanry, 
ardent in the cause of freedom ; New York, her valiant sons 
indignant at this invasion of her territory, and determined to 
protect their property from pilla.LMi and destruction. 'I'hese be- 
set the invaders on every side, impeding their progress, cut- 
ting off' their supplies, and fatiguing them by incessant at- 
tacks. 

Burg(;yne, finding it difficult to transport his provisions 
through the wilderness, despatched Colonel Baum, with five 
hundred Hessians, to seize a rpiantity of beef and flour which 
the Americans had collected and deposited at Bennington. 
P'ortunately, General Stark, at the head of a party of New 
Hampshire militia had just arrived at that place, on his way to 
the main army, and been jomed by volunteers from the imme- 
diate neighbourhood. Baum, ascertaining their number to be 
greater than his own, halted n(!ar Bennington, erected breast- 
works, and sent back for a reinforcement. 

In several skirmishes between small detachments, the 
militia were uniformly successful. This sharpening their 
courage. Stark resolved to attack the main body. On the 1 6th 
of August, a fierce and sanguinary battle took place. P'or two 
hours, the Hessians fought bravely ; but their works, assaulted 
by braver troops, were at length entered, and most of the de- 
tachment either killed or made prisoners. 



238 HISTORY OF 

Just after tliis action liad terminated, Colonel Breyman ar- 
rived with the reinforcement sent to Baiim. The militia, ap- 
prehending no danger, had dispersed in pursuit of plunder or 
the fugitives. By carelessness was nearly lost all that by 
valour had been gained. Ilappil}^ at this critical juncture, 
Colonel Warner arrived from Manchester with a Continental 
regiment, and immediately fell upon Breyman. The militia, 
rallying, hastened to his aid. The battle continued until sun- 
set, when the enemy retreated, and under cover of the night 
the greater part effected their escape. 

The tide of fortune cvas now turned. The decisive victory 
at Bennington diffused confidence and joy. The friends of in- 
dependence, before depressed by disaster and defeat, were 
now animated by the prospect, which suddenly burst upon 
them, of a glorious victory over an arrogant and once dreaded 
enemy. The greatest zeal and activity were every where dis- 
played. Again crowds of militia flocked to the republican 
camp. 

In the mean time, St. Legcr had pressed with vigour the 
siege of Fort Schuyler; but the garrison, under the command 
of Colonels Ciansevoort and Willett, had defended it with 
great fortitude and bravery. Aware of the importance of the 
post. General Herkimer collected the militia of Tryon county, 
and marched to its relief. St. Leger, hearing of his approach, 
despatched a party of regulars and Indians to meet him. He 
advanced with culpable negligence, was waylaid, suddenly at- 
tacked with the usual fury of savages, and himself and four 
hundred others, among whom were the principal citizens of 
the county, inhumanly slaughtered. 

Colonel Willett, apprised of the approach of Herkimer, 
made a sally from the fort on the day he was expected to reach 
it. He broke into the enemy's camp, drove them out of it 
into the woods, killed many, and returned without loss, bring- 
ing back besieging utensils and many other trophies of vic- 
tory. Shortly after, he accomplished a still more hazardous 
enterprise. He, with a single companion, passed in the night 
through the camp of the besiegers, and travelled fifty miles, 
• in a pathless wilderness, to convey information of the im- 
minent danger of the garrison, and collect forces for its relief. 

St. Leger announced to Colonel Gansevoort the victory he 
had gained over Herkimer, summoned him to surrender, and 
assured him, if he did not, that not only the garrison, but 
every man, woman, and child, in the Mohawk country, must fall 
victims to savage ferocity. This bravado failed to intimidate ; 
it rather convinced Colonel Gansevoort of St. Leger's weak- 
ness. His Indian allies, in fact, wearied with the protracted 
labours of the siege, had become ungovernable, and threatened 
to leave him. At this time, General Arnold, sent by Schuyler, 



THE UNITED STATES, 239 

was approaching, by the way of the Mohawk, with a large 
force, to the relief of the fort. Of this the Indians, by their 
scouts, soon gained intelligence. At the name of Arnold, they 
were seized with terror, and declared peremptorily to St. 
Leger, than they would retire alone, if he did not himself re- 
treat. He soon found that he had no alternative. On the 
22d of August, abandoning his baggage and stores, he began 
a precipitate flight towards Lake Oneida, the regulars suffer- 
ing on the way, from their Indian allies, cruelties almost 
equal to those usually inflicted by savages ui)on their enemies. 
Intelligence of the result of the siege soon came to cheer the 
American forces on the Hudson. 

The disasters which befell this army at the commencement 
of the campaign induced congress to recall the generals who 
commanded it, and to appoint, in their places, Generals Gates, 
Lincoln, and Arnold. Having the control of more abundant 
and powerful means, they acted Avith more energy and bold- 
ness. Gates, leaving the encam[)ment on the islands, to which 
Schuyler had retreated, advanced, in the beginning of Septem- 
ber, to the neighbourhood of Stillwater. 

Burgoyne, after the defeat of Baum, was obliged to have re- 
course, for provisions, to the magazines at Fort George. The 
laborious task of transporting them through the wilderness to 
the Hudson being accomplished, he moved forward, and, on 
the 17th of September, encamped within four miles of the 
American army. 

The next day, the first battle of Stillwater was fought. It 
was begun by skirmishes between the scouting parties of the 
two armies, which were respectively and repeatedly rein- 
forced, until nearly the whole of each was engaged. Both 
fought with determined resolution ; they alternately drove and 
were driven by each other. A continual blaze of tire was kept 
up. Men, and particularly officers, dropped every moment 
and on every side. Night put an end to the conflict. 

The American army retired to their camp ; the British lay 
on their arms near the field of battle. The loss of the former 
was three hundred and nineteen , that of the latter exceeded 
five hundred. Each claimed the victofy. The consequences 
of defeat were felt by the British alone. Their hopes of suc- 
cess were diminished ; their Indian allies, the Canadians, and 
tories, were disheartened, and deserted them. 

Pressed on all sides, Burgoyrie made frequent and urgent 
applications to Sir Henry Clinton, at New York, for aid, and 
informed him that, in expectation of such aid, he would main- 
tain his present position until the 12th of October. He di- 
minished the allowance of provisions to his soldiers, and hav- 
ing waited until the 7th, without receiving any intelligence 



240 tllSTORt OF 

from Clinton, determined to make another trial of strength 
Avitli his adversar3^ 

He made dispositions to commence the action with the 
right Aving of his army ; Gates, discovering his design, made 
a sudden and vigorous attack upon the loft. In a short time, 
the whole of both armies were engaged. This battle was 
furious, obstinate, and more bloody than the other. Arnold 
was eminently distinguished for his bravery and rashness. To- 
wards night, the enemy, who had fought with desperate 
valour, gave way. A part of their works were stormed and 
taken, and more than two hundred men made prisoners. 

Darkness put an end to this action also. The Americans 
lay ui)on their arms near the enemy's lines, intending to re- 
new the battle the next day ; but Burgoyne, during the night, 
withdrew to a stronger position. Gates forbore to pursue, be- 
lieving that a bloodless victory was now in his poAver. 

In the mean time. Sir Henry Clinton despatched General 
Vaughan with three thousand men, to endeavour to relieve 
Burgoyne. He ascended the Hudson, and, on the 6th of Octo- 
ber, assaulted and took Fort INIontgomery; but, instead of 
hastening forward, he consumed a whole week in pillaging 
and burning Esopus, and other nourishing villages on the 
river. He perhaps expected that this wanton destruction of 
property would draw off a part of the forces under Gates ; 
but it had no other effect than to exasperate the inhabitants. 

Burgoyne, perceiving that his antagonist was endeavouring 
to surround them, retreated to the heights of Saratoga. The 
Americans pursued, keeping a sufficient force on the east bank 
of the river to prevent him from crossing. The situation of 
the British troops was now distressing in the extreme. Many 
of their most valued officers had been killed. Their strength 
was exhausted by incessant exertion ; they were almost en- 
circled by their enemy, and were greatly annoyed by a con- 
tinual and destructive cannonade. From this forlorn condition 
but one mode of escape remained — a forced march in the night 
to Fort George. This expedient was resolved on, and prepa- 
rations were made ; bivt the scouts sent out returned with in- 
telligence that all the passes were guarded by strong bodies of 
militia. 

An account of provisions was then taken, and a supply for 
no more than three days was found on hand. No hope of 
rescue within that time could be indulged. Burgoyne sum- 
moned his principal officers to a council. It is said that, while 
deliberating, a cannon ball crossed tlie table around which 
they sat. By their unanimous advice, he opened a negociation 
with the American general, and, on the 17th of October, sur- 
rendered his whole army prisoners of war. 

Great were the rejoicings occasioned by this glorious vie- 



THE tTNITED STATES. ^4l 

tory. Many supposod that it would terminate the contest. 
In the joy ofsiKMicHH, all fci.'lingH of n'Hcntmeut were forgot- 
ten. From regard to the feelings of the vanciuished, General 
Gates, while they were piling their arms, kept the victorious 
troops witiiin his canip. The British officers, in social con- 
verse with tlie Americans, were led to forget their misfortune ; 
and the troops, wlieii on tlieir march to Massachusetts, did not 
receive from the jx^ople that vindictive treatment which their 
distressing de]jr('dations, and those of their fellow-soldiers 
under Vaughan, would have excused, if not justified. 

Against this band of marauders Genf^ral Gates marched soon 
after the ca])itulation was signed ; but, on learning the fate of 
Burgoyne, tliey retired to New ^'ork. About the same time, 
the garrison left at Ticonderoga, having rendered their cannon 
useless, returned to Canada, and the northern department wag 
restored to perfect tranquility. 

While the exertions of the northern army were rewarded by 
brilliant success, that stationed in Pennsylvania, equally brave 
and meritorious, but exhausted by fatigue and suffering, and 
enfeebled by detachments which Washington generously 
spared to Gates, sustained further reverses. We left it en- 
cami)ed on the north bank of the Schuylkill, near Pottsgrove; 
it afterwards moved down to Skippach Creek, about sixteen 
mih's from Germantown, where the main body of the British 
army was stationed, fieneral Washington, having learnt that 
small detachments had been made from the latter, determined 
to attack it. 

On the .3d of October, at seven o'clock in the evening, his 
army, in divisions, moved, by several roads, towards German- 
town. These different divisions were directed to attack dif- 
ferent parts of the British encampment, which was somewhat 
extensive. The march was rapid and silent ; but intelligence 
of their approach was received by the enemy, by three o'clock 
the next morning, when they were immediately paraded. At 
sunrise, the first division of the Americans, under General Sul- 
livan, arrived and made a bold and vigorous attack. So 
spirited was the onset, that the enemy, unable to sustain it, 
fled. But six British companies, while retreating, took pos- 
session of a Ij^rge stone house, from which, in entire safety, 
they poured a destructive fire upon the American troops. A 
portion of the latter assaulted this fortress, and the remainder 
continued the pursuit of the retreating forces. Tiie second 
division, under General Greene, came into the field, attacked and 
drove the enemy, and a complete victory appeared in prospect. 
But the American troops, pursuing over uneven ground, 
separated into small parties : at this moment, a very thick fog 
arose, and each j)arty lost aiglit of the other and of the enemy. 
Unacquainted with the ground, and unable to act with deci- 



242 HISTORY ov 

sion, they faltered in the pursuit. The fugitives rallied ; the 
division destined against the British left not having arrived, a 
brigade from that wing came to their assistance ; and the 
Americans in their turn retreated, but withdrew from the field 
in good order, and returned without molestation to their late 
encampment. 

In this action, in which fortune snatched victory from the 
grasp of the Americans, they sustained a loss of twelve hun- 
dred men ; that of the British was less than six hundred. 
But the vanquished sustained no loss of reputation nor confi- 
dence. Their country applauded the boldness of the attempt, 
and the enemy felt higher respect for their courage and dis- 
cipline. 

The British arm}' soon after left Germantown, and marched 
to attack the American posts on the River Delaware below 
Philadelphia. On the 22d of October, a body of twelve hun- 
dred Hessians, commanded by Count Donop, made an intrepid 
assault upon the fortifications at lied Bank. They were re- 
pulsed with great loss, and their gallant leader killed. 

Fort Mifflin, on Mud Island, was next attacked. For six 
days it was bravely defended. It was then evacuated, the 
works having been almost demolished by the enemy's artillery. 
Prei)arations being made for a second assault, with a much 
larger force, upon the post at Red Bank, that was also eva- 
cuated ; and thus was opened a free communication between 
the British army and their fleet, wliich had sailed round to the 
mouth of the Delaware. 

After several movements of the respective armies, which 
had no important result. General Washington withdrew to 
winter quarters in the woods of Valley Forge. His troops 
were destitute of shoes, and might have been tracked by the 
blood of their feet. They passed the winter in huts, suffered 
extreme distress from want of clothing and of food, but en- 
dured their privations without a murmur. How strong must 
have been their love of liberty ! With what lively gratitude 
ought a ])rosperous countr}', indebted to them for the most 
valuable blessings, to remember their sufferings and services ! 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

CAMPAIGN OF 177 8. 

When the Continental congress was first constituted, it pos- 
sessed no other powers than such as were conferred by the 
credentials and instructions given, by the state legislatures, 
to their respective delegates. In the ardour of the contest, 
the inquiry was seldom made whether, in all cases, the au- 



I 



Tap UNITED STATES. 249 

thoi-ity which it exercised, had been specifically granted; but 
the members preferred that the extent and limit of their own 
powers sliould be more exactly defined. Early in 1776, the 
resolution to declare the colonies independent having been 
agreed to, but before the declaration was adopted, a com- 
mittee, consisting of a member from each colony, was ap- 
pointed to report a plan of union or confederation. 

The plan was reported in July, and remained under the 
consideration of congress until near the close of the last year. 
The points upon which agreement was most difiicult were, the 
mode of voting in congress ; thr rule for apportioning among 
the states the expenses of the Union; and the right to the 
ungranted or crown lands, especially in those states whose 
charter limits extended to the Mississippi or Pacific Ocean. 

The plan gave to each state one vote, according to the re- 
gulation then in force. 8ome members insisted that every 
state should have the right to send delegates according to the 
number of its white inhabitants, or to tli<^ amount of its con- 
tributions, and that each delegate should have a vote. A ma- 
jority at length adopted the proposition of the committee. 

Tiie committe reported that the expenses of the Union should 
be borne by the states according to the number of white inha- 
bitants m each. In congress, in committee of the whole a 
majority decided that they should be apportioned according 
to the whole number of inhabitants, excluding Indians. Slaves 
being included, those states in which they were most numer- 
ous, were much dissatisfied with this decision, and finally in- 
duced a majority of the states to agree that tlie expenses 
should be apportioned according to tlie value of the land, 
buildings, and improvements. 

In the plan reported, nothing was proposed in relation to 
the western lands. Some of the members pertinaciously in- 
sisted that, as those lands were the property of the crown 
and would, if independence was obtained, be wrested from it 
by united efforts, and at the common expense, they ought to 
become the joint property of the whole confederacy. Those 
states withm whose charter limits lay the most extensive 
tracts of these lands, strenuously resisted this reasonable 
claim, and finally compelled a majority of the states to assent 
to a union without making any provision in regard to them. 

The '^Articles of Confederation" were adopted in con- 
gress, on the 1.5th of November, and immediately transmitted 
to the several states for their ratification. They bound tlie 
states in a firm league of friendship with each other, for the 
common defence and the security of their liberties. Delegates, 
not less than two nor more than seven from a state, were to 
be annually appointed, who, when assembled in congress, 
were authorized to carry on war, to make peace, to borrow 
money, to emit bills of credit, and to exercise all the powers 



244 HlSTORt OF 

of sovereignty in relation to foreign nations. They were ^Isd 
authorized to determine the number of men and the amount of 
money to be raised, and to assign to each state its just pro- 
portion. And the Articles contained many other regulations 
of minor importance. 

But so unwilling were the individual states to relinquish 
their recently-assumed independence, that they withheld from 
congress the authority to make laws which should operate 
directly upon the people ; they granted to it no control over 
commerce ; and they reserved to themselves the right to raise 
their proportions of money in such a manner as each might 
deem most expedient. They gave to congress the right to 
make recjuisitions, but no power to compel obedience. 

In the late campaign, the troojjs had suffered severely from 
the want of provisions and clothing : and censure fell heavily 
upon the commissary department. That department, in ail 
countries and in all wars, affords the most opportunities for 
peculation ; and though the war of the revolution had pa- 
triotism for its motive, and liberty for its object, some, doubt* 
less, engaged in it from love of gain, and sought to grow rich 
by cheating the soldier or defrauding the country. That the 
instances of corruption were fewer than was suspected is 
probable. Congress, however, made a thorough reform in the 
department, appointing Jeremiah Wadsworth, of Connecticut, 
commissary-general. And in order to introduce into the army 
a uniform system of tactics and discipline, they resolved that 
an inspector- general should be appointed. Subsequently they 
elected to that office the Baron Steuben, a native of Prussia, 
who had served in a higli station in the army of Frederic the 
Great, and was well versed in the system of manoeuvres in- 
troduced by that celebrated commander. 

The misfortunes, in the last campaign, of the army under 
Washington, contrasted with the brilliant achievement of that 
of the north, furnished to the friends of other prominent offi- 
cers an opportunity to whisper doubts of his energy and mili- 
tary talents ; and such doubts were, with less caution, ut- 
tered by some who were ardent in their zeal, but ignorantly 
considered success the only test of merit. That a project was 
formed to procure his dismissal is believed ; but with whom 
it originated, or who gave it countenance, has never been 
clearly ascertained. Lee, who had lately been exchanged, 
and Gates, were alluded to as possessing more qualities essen- 
tial in a commander-in-chief. A loud and hearty expression 
of confidence in the integrity and capacity of Washington 
silenced at once those timid whispers, and reproved the ut- 
terance of all honest doubts. 

The signal victory at Saratoga exalted the reputation of 
the American republic in every part of Europe. The French 
ministry, apprehensive, doubtless, that Great Britain might 



THE UNITED STATES. 245 

now offer such favourable terms of pacification as would in- 
duce the colonies, if not powerfully supported, to resume their 
connection with the empire, no Icmger hesitated to acknow- 
ledge their independence. On the Oth of February, they con- 
cluded, with the American commiHsionerH, treaties of com- 
merce and of alliance, in which they assented to terms highly 
advantageous to the States. The news of tliis important 
event, rendering almost certain the successful issue of the con- 
test, occawioned in America the liveliest joy, and the most ar- 
dent gratitude to France. 

Among the [)eople of Great Britain, the defeat of their fa- 
vourite general produced astonishment, dismay, and indigna- 
tion. The most brilliant success was anticipated ; the most 
ignominious result had occurred. The pride of the nation 
was humbled, and they who had disapproved of the war 
poured upon the ministry a torrent of invective. To increase 
the bitterness of their chagrin, they soon learned the course 
which their hereditary enemy and rival had resolved to pursue. 

It was now determined, in the cabinet, to grant to America 
all that she had demanded in the beginning of the contest. 
An act was passed, declaring that parliament would not, in 
future, impose any tax upon the cohmies ; and commissioners 
were sent over authorized to i)roclaim a repeal of all the of- 
fensive statutes, and to treat with the constituted authorities 
of America. 

The, commissioners, arriving at Philadelphia in the spring, 
communicated to congress the terms offered by Great Britain, 
which were at once unanimously rejected. Failing in the use 
of direct and honourable means, they attempted bribery and 
corruption. To Joseph Reed, a general in the army and a 
member of congress, an offer was made of ten thousand pounds 
sterling, and any office within his majesty's gift in the colo- 
nies, if he would endeavour to effect a re-union of the two 
countries. " I am not worth purchasing," he nobly replied, 
" but such as I am, the king of Great Britain is not rich enough 
to do it." 

On receiving official notification of the treaties concluded 
with her revolted colonies. Great Britain declared war against 
France ; and the ministry, presuming that assistance would 
be sent them, transmitted orders by the commissioners, that 
Philadelphia should be evacuated, and the royal troops con- 
centrated at New York. The execution of these orders de- 
volved upon Sir Henry Clinton, who. General Howe having 
resigned, had been appointed commander-hi-chief On the 
18th of June, the enemy quitted the city, and marched slowly 
eastward. 

Washington, leaving his huts in the forest, hung upon the 
rear of the British army, desirous himself of seizing the first 
favourable opportunity to attack it. He twice proposed the 



246 HISTORY OF 

measure to a council of war ; but the majority, in both case«, 
decided against it. He delerniiiied, however, to make the 
attack on his own responsibility. Lee, beinpr senior major- 
general, could have chiinied the command of the front divi- 
sion ; but, as he had given his advice against hazarding an 
action, he yielded his claim to La Fayette. That general was 
therefore ordered to advance, at the head of four thousand 
men, and be ready to attack the rear, and smaller bodies were 
Bent forward to fall on the tianks of the enemy. 

After La Fayette began his march, Lee, changing his mind, 
solicited the command which at first he had declined. 
Washington, in conscijuence, sent him forward, with two ad- 
ditional lirigades, stii)ulating, however, that if, before his ar- 
rival, La Fayette had determined on any i)articular movement, 
he should still retain the command At this time, the enemy 
were stationed on commanding ground, near Monmouth court- 
house, in New Jersey ; and Lee was ordered to kee[» his troops 
in readiness to fall on their rear, as soon as they should leave 
that position 

At five in the morning of the 28th of June, intelligence was 
received that the front of the British army was in motion. 
Lee was immediately ordered to move on and connnence an 
attack, "unless there should be jjowerful reasons to the 
contrary ;" and was assured that the main army would be on 
its march to su\)p(.)rt liim. lie moved forward accordingly, 
but soon received information, which, after going forward to 
reconnoitre, he belived to be true, that Clinton, with his whole 
force, was marching back to attack him. He gave orders to 
retreat to a stronger position, wliich he had just passed over; 
but of this movement, and the object of it, he sent no informa- 
tion to Washington. The enemy soon came n\), and pressed 
vigorously on his rear. Washington, hastening forward to suj)- 
])ort Lee, soon met the advance of the retiring party, and could 
learn from them no reason for the retreat. He hastened to Lee, 
who was in the rear, then engaged with the enemy, and ad- 
dressed him with warmth, in Avords implying disapprobation 
of his conduct ; but, soon recovering his serenity, gave orders 
which Lee executed Avith fidelity and bravery. The action 
continued, the Americans gaining slight advantages in various 
parts of the field, until Sir Henry Clinton withdrew, collecting 
his forces on ground so strong that Washington, the day being 
almost spent, concluded not to assail it. He made prepara- 
tions, however, to renew the battle in the morning. 

But the British general determined not to await an attack. 
Early in the night, he silently left his position, and proceeded 
on his way to New York. As the country, through which lay 
the remainder of his route, was more favourable to a retreat- 
ing than to a pursuing army, Washington forbore to follow. 
Clinton was satisfied that he had checked his pursuers, and es - 



THE UNITED STATES. 24 

cajjed from their annoyance. Tha Americans insiBted that the 
battle had terminated in their favour. The number of men in 
each army was about ec^ual. The Americans lost three hun- 
dred, the British five hundred men. Heat and excessive fa- 
tigue proved fatal to many. 

Lee, irritable and proud, could not forget the manner in which 
Washington had addresed him ; and wrote to him two pas- 
sionate letters, in which, in the tone of a superior, he demanded 
reparation. Washington, in reply, assured him that, as soon as 
circumstances would permit, he should have an opportunity to 
justify his conduct before a court of incpiiry. Lee insisted on 
being tried immediately by a court-martial. He was accord- 
ingly brought to trial, charged with disobedience of orders in 
not attacking the enemy ; with making an unnecessary and 
disorderly retreat ; and with disrespect to the commander-in- 
chief in the two letters addressed to him. The court found him 
guilty on all the charges, and sentenced him to be suspended 
from command for one year ; which sentence congress, though 
with some hesitation, approved almost unanimously. He wai 
suspected of being willing, at least, that Washington should 
continue to be unsuccesful ; what influence this suspicion had 
on the court can be only the subject of conjecture. That he 
was clearly guilty of the last charge rendered his sentence ac- 
ceptable to the army and the people, who, devotedly attached 
to the commander-in-chief, could tolerate no one who treated 
him with arrogance and disrespect. He never afterwards 
joined the army, but died in seclusion just before the close of 
the war. 

The enemy having entered New York, Washington conducted 
his army to White Plains. Congress returned to Philadelphia ; 
and in July received, with inexpressible joy, a letter from the 
count d'Estaing, announcing his arrival on the coast of the 
United States, with a large fleet, which had been sent, by the 
king of France, to assist them in their struggle for indepen- 
dence. 

The count intended to surprise Admiral Howe in the Dela- 
ware ; but adverse winds detained him on the passage, until 
the British fleet had sailed for New York. He appeared be- 
fore that harbour, but, on sounding, found that his largest ships 
could not enter it. A combined attack, by land and water, 
upon the British forces at Newport, in Rhode Island, was then 
projected. 

General Sullivan, who had been appointed to command the 
troops, called upon the militia of New England to aid him in 
the enterprise His army soon amounted to ten thousand men ; 
and, as he was supported by the fleet, he felt confident of suc- 
cess. On the 9th of August, he took a position on the north 
end of Rhode Island, and afterwards moved nearer to New- 
port. Admiral Howe having received a reinforcement, now 



248 HISTORY OF 

appeared before the harbour ; and the count instantly put to 
sea to attack him. 

While making the preparatory manoeuvres, a furious storm 
came on, which damaged and dispersed both fleets. As soon 
as the weather would permit, each commander sought the port 
from which he had sailed. The army, intent upon their own 
object, witnessed with joy the return of the French fleet; and 
great was their disappointment wlien the count announced hia 
intention of proceeding to Boston to refit. Tlie American of- 
ficers remonstrated ; but he was inflexible, and dei)arted. 

The army, deserted by the fleet, could remain no longer, with 
safety, on the island, as the enemy might easily transport, by 
water, large reinforcements from New York to Newport. 
General Sullivan immediately retreated to his first position. 
He was pursued, and shortly after halting, was attacked 
by the enemy. Tliey were gallantly resisted, and repulsed 
with loss. 

The next day, the two armies cannonaded each other ; and, 
the succeeding night, the American general, deceiving the ene- 
my by a show of resistance to the last, made a skilful retreat to 
the continent. A few hours afterwards, the British received 
such an augmentation of their force, that all resistance, on the 
part of the Americans, would have been vain. At the close of 
the season, the French fleet sailed to the AVetst Indies. 

Thekingof France, having acknowledged the independence 
of the United Sates, sent M. Gerard as his minister plenijjoten- 
tiary to the congress. On the 0th of August, he had his first 
public audience of that body. All the members, the authori- 
ties of Pennsylvania, many oflicers of the army and strangers 
of note, were present. The minister delivered his credentials, 
signed by Louis XVI., and directed to his "very dear great 
friends and allies," made a speecli, and was answered by Henry 
Laurens, then president of the congress. In September, Benja- 
min Franklin was appointed sole minister plenipotentiary to 
the French court. Gerard, in consequence of ill health, soon 
after returned home, and the chevalier de la Luzerne was ap- 
pointed to succeed him. 

During this year, the British troops and their allies displayed, 
in several instances, a degree of barbarity seldom equalled in 
contests between civilized nations. That they were contend- 
ing against revolted subjects, seemed to release them, in their 
view, from all regard to the common usages of war. The late 
alliance with France, the hated rival of their nation, increased 
their hostility. Instead of striving to conquer an honour- 
able foe, they thirsted as for vengeance on a criminal and out- 
law. 

With such vindictive feelings, Wyoming, ahappy and flourish- 
ing settlement in Pennsylvania, was attacked by a band of 
tories and Indians. The men were butchered, the Jionsep 



THE UNITED STATES. 249 

burned, and the cattle driven off or killed. Tho8e who had 
wiLl!ftn7'^T^^ ""' r^'^^""' ^"^" ^'^^ ^i^hout shelter and 
T^Z^f-i^.f^f^'''^ ^'""^ "^^^ ""^'^^^ ^i«*^e«« a°d ruin over 
a more delightful region. New Bedford, Martha's Vineyard. 
Egg Harbour, and Cherry Valley, were also visited and ravaged 
by the enemy. All the property within reach was destroyed. 

redu^H f^ n^^'^f ^'T'"^ and unoffending inhabitants were 
reduced to poverty and wretchedness. 

But m no instance did the enemy evince more ferocious un- 

frnnuJr'^f/' ^^^^" ^^ *'^^^^ ^^^^^^ upon Colonel Taylor"s 
troop of hght dragoons. While asleep ii a barn at Tappaan 

manded his soldiers to use the bayonet only, and to give tTe 
rebels no quarters. Incapable of defence, they sued fo? 
oTL-T'"'' "'''* ^'"'^'''^ Hupplications were h^earS with- 
in if T!^T^ compassion in the commander. Nearly one 
halt of the troop were killed. To many, repeated thrusts 

Teral who'lT'^ ''T ^^ 'T^""' «^^"« "^'^''^ 'remamed S ! 
Infi L , '^?^/""^'' ^'"' ^"^ ^'le^en «tabs through the body 
and were left for dead, afterwards recovered. A few escaped' 
and forty were saved by the humanity of a British capta'n 
who dared to disobey the orders of his general. ^ ' 

..•?.,*^^ ^^^^> *^'^' ^^'"ly "nder Washington erected hufa 
wTnlf't'r^' in New Jersey, in whiclf they passed the' 
ZZ r\ J *^i!« '^^nn^aign, but little on either side was ac- 
complished The alliance with France gave birth to expecta- 
fleTs I^n'^ «™t« did not fulfil; yet the presence oTher 
fleets on the coast deranged the plans of the enemy and in- 

close of the year, it was apparent that Great Britain had 

Thp"Arf'''V"r<^^"/.'^""^P^^«'^"^^^"* '^^ ^^'^ Purposes. 
Ihe Articles of Confederation, which, in November last 

rratio'nbfth/" ''^'TTrr- r^' ^^er taken into const 
deration by the several state legislatures. They were ratified 

vLf o7S^^ft^ '"r-7' ^ir^^^' ^^^ ^^-'^-^" "-t ';' 

flomp of fh f T "^^^^>'"'^ them made some objections to 
some of the articles, and proposed alterations. New .Jersey 
declined, and gave for her rp.-mnriH fh-f rw. . „4-u 'Jersey 

in 1,0 f..b. V. K Vu J ,"'-^/*^asons~tnat no oath was renuired 
to be taken by the delegates to the congress; that the power 
to regulate commerce was reserved to the state ; that the c^n- 

ot peace, that the ungranted or crown lands were not de- 
clared to be the property of the whole confederacy and that 
in apportioning the troops to be raised, the numbl of white 
in abitants was made the rule, the blacks not being Tom! 
fnL .Aftj^rvvards however, the state, anxious that the 
union should be perfected, sent in her ratification, declaring 
that she did so "in firm reliance that the justice of the se vera! 



i5ff HISTORY OP 

states would, in due time, ivmove as far as possible, th© in-* 
equality'* which she complained of. Subsecpiently, Delaware 
ratified the Articles, protesting, at the same time, that the 
western lands ought to become the [property of all the states. 
Maryland persisted in refusing until New York and ^'irginia 
had made a i)artial reliu(piishment of their claims to those 
lands ; and then, in 17^1, she, by adding her ratification, gave 
efticient existence to the conferation. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1779.. 

'Var, campaign of 1770 was distinguished by a change in the 
theatre of war from the ni)rthern to the southern section 
of the confederacy. That portion had not yet been ravaged ; 
it yielded in greater abundance j)roducts essential to the sup- 
j)ort of an army ; it was rendered more easy to conipier by its 
(pattered population, by the multitude of slaves, and by the 
greater proportion of tories among the inhabitants. 

Near the close of the last year, Lieutenant-Colonel Camj)- 
bell, with tNvo thousand nuMi, sailed from New York to the 
co;ist of (ieorixia, and landed his troops. Marching towards 
Savannah, the capital, he met, posted on a narrow causeway, 
a small l)ody of American troops, whom he attacked and dis- 
jteised. Xfc'ar the city, on the main road, with a swami) in 
front and the river on the left, a large body was stationed, 
under the command of General Howe. While Campbell was 
making arrangements to dislodge these, a negro oflfered to 
show lum a private path which led by their right. A detach- 
ment was sent round by this path ; and a simultaneous attack 
was made upon the American front and rear. One hundred 
were killed : the rest were made i)ri^ouers ; and the city then 
surrendered to the victors. 

General Prevost, with a body of royal trQops, was stationed 
in East Fh:)rida. When the detachment was sent from New 
York, orders were sent to him to enter (ieorgia, and act in 
concert with Campbell. Traversing an intermediate desert, 
he, after suffering many hardships, appeared before the'fort, 
at Sudbury, the conmiander of which, having learnt the fate of 
the capital, surrendered it into his power. Prevost then 
marched to Savannah, and assumed the command of all the 
British forces in the state As many of the American troops 
as could escape, tied into South Carolina. 

Soon after the coiupiest of Georgia, General Lincoln took 
the command of the American troops in the southern depart- 
ment. He establishod his head-(puirtero at Purisburg, on tl]e 



the'united btates; 231 

north wide of the Savannah river. The British then placed a 
detachment of their army at Ebenezer, on the Houth side, and 
afterwardH another, higher up at Augusta. By means of these 
posts, they were able to control the whole state of (Georgia, 
and keep up a communication with their Indian allies and the 
tories in the interior. 

To cut off this communication, Lincoln sent General Ash, 
with a body of fifteen hundred men, mostly militia, to take 
[)ossession of a strong position on Brier C.'reek, above Ebene- 
zer. He had been there but a faw days when General Prevost 
determined to dislodge them. He sent a small party to oc- 
cupy their attention in front; at the head of another, he made 
a circuit of fifty miles, and fell on their rear. Some of the 
American troops fought bravely, but they were soon overpow- 
ered; a part fled ; about three hundred were killed or made 
prisoners, and the enemy obtained possession of the post. 

It was the wish of Lincoln to confine the enemy to the sea- 
coast. To effect this objpct. he, in April, left Purisburg, and 
marched up the north side of the Savannah, intending to cross 
it near Augusta, and then march down towards the capital. 
Soon after lie set out, Prevost crossed the river into South 
Carolina, and advanced towards Charleston. He hoped by 
this movement to recall Lincoln; but not succeeding in this, 
and being assured by the tories who accompanied him, that 
Charleston contained many loyalists, who would declarM 
thomsf'lvt's the moment he a pf)eared before.it, he determined 
to proc<'('d thither and attack it. As soon as Lincoln per- 
ceived that he was in earnest, he hastened, by rajjid marcheK, 
to defend it. Prevost appeared before the city, and summoned 
it to surrender The citizens, expecting the immediate arri- 
val of Lincoln, opened a negociation, which they contrived to 
protract through the day. In the night, the British general, 
hearing nothing from any loyalists in the city, and learning 
that the van of the American army had arrived, began a re- 
treat. A part of his troops were conveyed to the islands 
south of Charleston, and near the coast; the remainder took 
post at Stono Kerr)^ These Lincoln attacked ; but, being 
protected by fortifications, and fighting bravely, they repelled 
him. Soon after, the enemy, leaving a body of troops on the 
Island of Port Royal, re-occupied "Savannah, and the Ameri- 
cans encamped near Beaufort. 

The atrocities committed, in this excursion, by the British 
and tories, gave to the ])eople of South Carolina a foretaste of 
the miseries which afterwards afflicted the whole south. — 
Their houses were plundered of j)late, furniture, and orna- 
ments ; their cattle were killed; their elegant gardens were 
laid waste ; and their slaves, who willingly assisted in plun- 
dering their masters, and were eager to disclose where i)ro- 
perty had been hidden, were carried off in great numbers. 



252 HISTORY OF 

The heat of the season suspended further operations until 
September. Count d'Kstaintr, M'ith a Heet oarryiDjf six thou- 
sand troops, tlieu arrived on the cuast. The two armies, in 
concert, h\id siege to r^avanuah. At tlie expiration of a month, 
the count, impatient of dehiy, insisted that the siege shouUi 
be abandoned, or that a combined assault uj)on tlie enemy's 
works should be immedialoly made. (uMieral Lincoln deter- 
mined upon an assault, (ireat gallantry Mas displayed by the 
Fivnch and American, but greater by the l>rilish troops. They 
repulsed the assailants with killing and wounding nearly a 
thousand men, and sustaining on their part but little loss. — 
Tlie Count Tulaski, a celebrated l\)lish nobleman, in the ser- 
vice o( the States, was nuM"tally wounded. The next day the 
siege was raised, the French returning home, and the Ameri- 
cans to South Carolina. 

In the midst of these events, Sir Henry Clinton despatched 
from New York an expedition against ^■irginia. The naval force 
was commanded by Counnodore Collier ; the troops, consisting 
of two thousand men,i"y Ceneral Matthews. On the 10th of May, 
they took possession of" Portsnu>uth, soon alter ot" Norfolk, then 
of Suffolk, and visited other places of less note. Their jiro- 
gress was marked by cruelty and devastation. Many ships 
were burnt; and the n\habitants were plundered of large 
ipiantities of tobacco, salted provii^ions and other stores. — 
" AVhatsort of war is this':" asked the \irginians of the Eng- 
lish. " In this manner," they replied, "we are comuuuided 
to treat all who refuse to obey the king." The counnanders 
were desirous of renu\ining in A'irginia ; but Clinton, having 
an enterprise in view at New York, sent them explicit orders 
to return. He had the credit of executing unwillingly the or- 
ders which he received from home, to endeavour to reduce the 
people to subjection by devastation and plunder. 

The Americans had constructed two strong forts nearly op- 
posite each other on the Hudson, one at ^'erplauk's Point, on 
the eastern, the other at Stony Point, on the western bank. — 
These posts Clinton had determined to attack. As soon as 
Collier returned, he transjiorted u\) the river two bodies of 
troops, one destined against each of these Ibrts. On the ap- 
proach of the enemy. Stony Point was evacuated. "S'erplank's 
Point was vigorously defended: but a cannonade being opened 
upon it from Stony Point and Collier's squadron, and tlieenemy 
having completely invested it by land, it surrendered. Cl ni- 
ton directed that the works at Stony Point should lu^ strength- 
ened, and, leaving a garrison there, collected the main body 
of his army at Philipsburgh, where he formed an encam]unent. 
Neither he nor Washington Mas Milling to hazard a general 
battle. 

Early in the season, Colonel Clarke, of ^'irginia, mIio M^as 
stationed at Kaskaskia, on the ^Mississippi, achieved an enter- 



THE UNITED STATES. 263 

prise confipicuouH for boldncHK of deHign, and evincing uncom- 
mon liardiliood in its execution. Witli only one hundred and 
thirty men, he; penetratf.-d through the wilderneHH to St. Vin- 
cent'H, a JJritiHh p(jHt on the Wab;iHh, in the lieart of the Indian 
country. IHh road hiy acroHH dee}) KwampH and nru^raHHCH. — 
For four or five hours th(; jiarty w;ided through water, often 
a« higli as the breast. After a march of sixt(;en days, tlusy 
reached tlie town, which, having no intimation of tln-ir ap- 
proacl), Hurrendercd Avitliotit resistance. A shtjrt time after, 
the fort capitulated. 'I'his fortunate achievement arrested an 
expedition which th(> enemy had proj(;cted ugainst the fron- 
tiers of Virginia, and detached several tribes of Indians from 
the ikitish mti^rest. 

The atrocities committed at Wyoming, and at several set- 
tlements in N(;w Nork, cried ah^ud for vengeance. Congress, 
assembling an army of f(;iir thousand men, gave; the command 
of it to fieneral Snilivan, and directed him to conduct it into 
the country inhabited by tin; savages, and retort upon them 
their own system of warfan.'. Of this army, one division 
marched from flu; Mohawk, the other from Wyoming ; and both, 
forming a junction on tlu^ Sus(|uehannah, proceeded, on the 
'Z^d of August, towards the Scnieca Iiak(!. 

On an advantag(!Ous position, the Indians, in conjunction 
Avith two hundred tories, had erected fortif'cations to ojjpose 
their j)rogr(;ss. 'Hh'.hc. were assaulted ; the eninny, after a 
Hlight resistance, gave way, and disapp(.'ared in th(! woods. — 
Ah the army advanced into the western part of th(! state of 
New York, — that n.'gion now so fertih* and populous, — the 
Inflians deserted their towns, thrr appearance; of which de- 
noted a higher state of civilization than had ev(!r bc-fore been 
witnessed in the North American wilderness. The housea 
w(!re c(jmmodious ; the a])i)le and i)(!ach trees numerous, and 
the cro|)s of corn then growing abundant. All were de- 
stroyed; not a v(;slige of human industry was permitted to 
exist. 

Having accomijlished this work of vengeance, se\'erf! but 
deserved, and essential to tlu; future safety of the whites, 
General Sulli\an returned to Jlaston, in Pennsylvania, where 
he arrived about the middle of October. His whole loss, by 
sickness atui the enemy, amounted to but forty men. 

The jxuts of Connecticut, on the Sound, sheltered and sent 
forth a larg<,' number of jjrivateers, which captured almost 
every British vesse-l that api)eared in theneighbouring waters, 
and of course j>n;vent(,'d su|Jijlies int(;nded for tin; enemy from 
reaching New \ Ork. On the lf?tof .luly, (General Tryon led 
an expedition against these j)orts. He plundered New Haven, 
and burnt all the ship[)ing Iw; found in the harbour. He then 
visited fairfu'ld, (ircen I'arnr.!, and Norwalk, which he plun- 

At these three places, one 



2oi HISTORY OF 

Inindred and eighty houses, five churches, many bams and 
out-houses, and several vessels and mills were burnt. 

AVhile Tryon was absent on this marauding ex\)edition, 
(ireneral "NVashinirton f(M'nied the project of nvoverina: Stony 
Point. This tort, by the constant labour of the enemy, had 
been much strengthened, and was well furnished with artil- 
lery. Giving to (icneral Wayne the command of a detach- 
ment, consisting chiefly of troops from \ew Kngland. he en- 
trusted him with the execution of his plan. AVayne divided 
his force into two columns, intending to make the attack at 
opposite points. About midnight, the troops, with unloaded 
muskets, arrived before the lines. They were received with a 
tremendous discharge of grape-shot and musketry. Rut both 
columns mounted the walls, poured into the fort, fought their 
way with the bayonet, met in the centre, and the victory was 
complete. 

A more gallant exiiloit has seldom been performed ; and the 
humanity of the victors was eipnd to their valour. Ni>twith- 
standiugthe devastations in Connecticut, and the butchery of 
Baylor's troop, the scene of which was near, not an individual 
sul^ered after resistance had ceased. (>f the enemy, sixty were 
killed, and upwards of five hundred made prisoners. The loss 
of the Americans was comiiaratively small. A gold medal, 
presented by cjuigress.'rewaidtHl the hert>ism of the \ictor. 

In ,I»ini\ ('olonel M'l.ean, with six hundred and iW'iy luvn 
from \ov;i Scotia, took ]»osscssion o( a strong pi^sition at 
Penobscot, and began to erect fortifications. !MassacliUsetls, 
alarmed at this invasion of her territory, eipiipped a fieet and 
raised an army to dislodge them, (icneral Lovell counnanded 
the troops, mostly militia, and Captain Saltcmstall the fieet, 
which consisted oi' about twenty vessels, besides trasports. — 
The army landed, and, after a sharp contest, drove the enemy 
from one of their strongest outposts. General Lovell, be- 
lieving himself too weak to assault their main works, sent 
home for a reinforcement. While waiting for this, he learnt 
that Conmiodere Collier was approaching with a strong force, 
and made a precipitate retreat. Better would it have been 
for him had he awaited the enemy, and fought them manfully. 
The ships, endeavouring to escape, M'ere intercepted, driven 
up the Penobscot, and burnt. The soldiers and sailors, return- 
ing to their homes through dismal solitudes and pathless fo- 
rests, endured distress from exjiosure, fatigue, and want. The 
commanders were severely censured fin- not pursuing their fii-st 
advantage, and for their hasty and disorderly retreat. 

In September, a bloody naval battle was fought, near the 
coast of Scotland, in which John Paul Jones accpiired the re- 
putation of a daring and fortunate commander. He was a 
Scotchman by birth, but had been ap[)ointed, by the .\merican 
congress, a captain in their navy, and then commanded a 



THE UNITED STATKS. 255 

Hquadron fitted out in tho portn of France. At half-paHt sovcn 
in the evoninpf, liis own nliij), the Hon Ilomme Richard, of forty 
gun«, en{^:igc!d the SerapiH, a UritJHh fri^'atc;, of rorty-four.— 
After the action had continucid an hour, i]n'. two frigatcH ap- 
pr()a(;hed ho near to each other, that Jones, Hin/Au^ th(! i)ppor- 
tunity, lanhed them toi^ether. 

Th(» battle now became fiiriouH, ;ind the carriage horrihh;. — 
The S(;i-iipiH was on fin; not h'sy than ieri times ; and often 
liotii frigateH wen* on fire at the same moment, [jn'senting a 
Hiihlime and dreadful Hjxjctacle. At length the Alliance, one 
of .lones'H K([iiadroii, came to his aHHiHtaruM! ; hut the two fri- 
gatcH, being faHteried together, many of her shot struck the 
Kon Homme Richard. At ten o'cbjck the Serajjis surrendered. 
Ifer suc<;essful antagonist was so shattered, that tlu; crew 
were obligcnl to leave her immediately, and six' soon after 
><unk. Of th(! crew of tlu; American Hhi[), on(,' hundred and 
fifty, of that of the Herapis, about tin; sanu! numbi^r, were 
kilied or Avounded. TIk; I'allas, which was also of .foneH's 
s(|uadron, engaged, at th(! sauKi time, and captured, the 
Countess of Scarborough. The H(piadr(m, with the prizes, 
then sailed for Holland, and there arrived in safety. 

For a longtime, Franc(! and the ITnited States had solicutcd 
Spain to engage in tin; war. She hesitated, her feelings urging 
her to war, and hi-r interests counHelling peace. She was ex- 
tremely desirous of humbling ^ireat Hiifain ; but hUc. dreaded 
the efTi'ct which th(! indepcndencM^of tin; Knited States would 
liav(! on her contiguous Americtaii j)rovinces. ]''or reasons 
which can only be eonjecttured, she offered her mediation fo 
Ciireat Mritain, France, and the TTnited States. France! accepted 
it, and strongly urgc.'d the United States to do so also. Sub- 
sefpient developments justify the conclusion that, had all ac- 
cepted it, she would have recommended that the inde|)endenco 
of till! United States should be acknowledged ; that the Al- 
leghany mountains shoiild be their western boundary ; and 
that the Newfoundland fisheries should be secured to France. 
The United States hesitated, and Great I5ritain finally refused. 
Spain, then, urged by France, and impelled by her hostile 
feelings, declared war against (ireat P.ritain, enumerating in 
her manifesto one hundred oflences, none of which, nor all to- 
gether, would have been considered sufTicient cause of war, by 
an enlightened statesman. Had sh(,' simply declared that it 
was just to punish the arrogance of Great Britain, and expe- 
dient, for the safety of all nations, to destroy her great mari- 
time sujieriority, shi; would have stood justified, perhaps, in 
the opini(m of the world. Immediately a combined French 
and Spanish fleet, consisting of sixty-six ships of the line, and 
a cloud of frigates and smaller vessels, appeared in the British 
Heas. It spread a lively alarm thn^ighout the nation ; but 
pjckrjesg on board soon obliged h(;r to n;turn into port. 



256 HISTORY OF 

The alliance with France and the accession of Spain to the 

war had au unfavourable effect upon the principles and 
character of the American republicans. Sustained by foreign 
strength, they ceased to rely upon themselves. No formid- 
able danger aroused and concentrated their exertions. More- 
over, that lofty spirit of patriotism, Avhich in)pels man to 
form holy resolutions ; Mhich purities the heart of all seltisii 
motives ; Avhich, Avhen his country is in peril, hides from the 
citizen every other object, and shows that lovely and glorious, 
—had lost much of its vigour in the wearisome contest ; and 
in its place had sprung up the desire of repose, the love of 
gain, the petty ambition for otVice, and tlie selfish wish to cast 
on others the burdens which all had borne so long. "NVaHJiing- 
ton and the leading patriots of the time saw and lamented 
this ; but their appeals failed to arouse the i)eople from their 
apathy. Recruits cauie in slowly ; the army dwindled, 
and its commanders felt themselves almost abandoned in the 
midst of that country which they were striving to make free 
and independent. 

At the close of the season the northern army, having 
effected nothing of importance, retired into winter quarters — 
one division near iNIorristown, in New Jersey, the other in the 
vicinity of West Voint, an important i)Ost in the high lands on 
the Hudson. Here they endured severe and constant distress 
from cold, and nakedness, and hunger. Sometimes half the 
usual allowance, often less, was distributed to the troops ; 
and more than once the jirovisions were wholly exhausted. 
Applications for relief were made io the magistrates of the 
neighbourhood, and intimations were given that, so pressing 
were the wants of the army, pro\ isions would be seized by 
force, if not furnished voluntarily. The magistrates promptly 
attended to the call. They seized provisions wherever they 
found a surplus beyond the necessities of the owner, and thus 
saved the army from starvation. 

Derangement in the tinanees i)roduccd these sufferings. 
Large sums had been annually raised and expended ; and the 
ability of the people io pay taxes had progressively decreased. 
To supply deliciencies, paper money, to the amount of one 
hundred and iifty millions of dollars, had been issued. This 
gradually de])reciated, and, on the close t)f 177".', thirty dollars 
in paper were of no nunc value than one in specie. To pur- 
chase provisions with this money was at iirst ditticult, and 
then impossible; and congress now found their funds and 
their credit exhausted. 

A change of system was necessary. For the supply of the 
army, each state' was directed to furnish a certain (piantity of 
provisions and forage. Loans Avere solicited from the people, 
and nearly a million of dollars was raised by bills drawn upon 
the American agents in Europe, in anticipation of loans which 



TJIE UNITED HTATKH. 261 

tlicy had been authori/ed to prociin?. 'I'lieHe expedieutB 
allbrded but t(;m[)(>rur3' and fjartial r(jli(;f. 

No claHH of pcrHoriH Huircnid rrioro I'rorn the? d(^im*ciatfon of 
jiapcr money than ihi; army, and (!H|)C{;ially tlu* o/TiccrH. 'I'he 
pay, (;v('M of ilioH»? of tin? liij^licHt ^r:i(]tt, waH nTidcrcd iriHuf- 
fi(;i(!nt to pruvidi; tlicrn with ncccHHary <;lofbinx- l)iHcoutent 
bt'Kioi to |)(;ivafl(! tlic; wliolf! army. It rc<)ijirrMl nl\ tlie- 
r'ntliUHJaMiic jjatnotiHiu wliicli diHtinKuiHlnjH tin; Holdicr of prin- 
ciplij; all tin; ardent attachment to CnM-dom which brought 
them into the; fKdd ; all tlu; inlluenci; of the commander-in- 
chief, whom fh(!y ;ilmoHt a(h)red, to retain in the; Hejvicci men. 
who f('lt theniHelvcH cruelly neglected by the country whoHe 
battlcH they fought. 



CIIAI'TKIl XXV. 

CAM I'M UN OF 178 0. 

TnK I'rench licet having i(,'turned home; after the termination 
of the Hiege of Savannah, the Southern StateH wen; left al- 
niowt defenc(!h;KH. 'I'he ('ontinwntal troo^m under the com- 
rrand of (jieneral Lincjoln amounti'd to no more than one 
thouHand men fit for duty. Sir Henry (Jlinton, awan* of the 
true Htate of that [)ortion of the conlc'deracy, determined to 
attempt the reduction of (JharlcHton, believing that in itw fate 
■would be involved that of the whole of South f.'arolina. In 
December, 1771), taking with him about Heven thouwand men, 
he Hailed from ^t'.w York for Savannah. One of Imh tranHjjortt* 
WU8 cajjtured; and from the [)riH(jnerH the lirHt information 
wan obtained of Jiin df.'Hign. In JMjbruary, leaving Savannah, 
ho landed on St. .lohn'M Inland; and the fleet waH Htationed 
before the harbour of (JharlcHton to blockade it. 

Imm(idiat(; (iflbrtH wt^n; made to plac(; the <;ity in a [)OHturo 
of defence. The aHHcmbly, which waw then Hitting, d(,'h;gat«!d 
to (Governor Kuthidge, a patriot of Hj)lendid talentn, and 
to IiiH council, " tli(,' power to do ev(;ry thing n(!ceHHary for the 
public good, except taking away tin; life of a citi/(;n," and 
adjounied. Power almost unlimited bc'ing thus i>Iaced in few 
liaudH, vigorouH eflbrtH were made to call into action the 
strength of the ntate, for the jjrotection of its capital. Six 
hundred ulaveH were wet to work on the fortificationH, and the 
militia of tlu.' country wen; Hummoned to repair to the 
Btandard of Lincoln. The hoix; was indulged that, by the 
aid of thcKc, and of th(; promined reinforcementH from the 
north, the city would be able to witliHtand the forccH of Clin- 
ton. Yel, fearing tin; nmall-pox, then known to prevail in 
the city, two hundred only of the militia of the ntate obeyed 



258 HISTORY OF 

the summona of her governor. When the troops of all kinds 
had arrived, the forces under Lincoln consisted only of two 
thousand regulars, twelve hundred militia, mostly from North 
Carolina, and the citizens. 

Clinton made gradual approaches towards the city, and, oi^ 
the first of April, began the s.iege by erecting works at the 
distance of eleven hundred yards. On the 9th, the fleet, 
driven by a strong wind, passed the forts on Sullivan's Island, 
without stopping to return their fire, and gained the command 
of the harbour. The surrender of the place was then de- 
manded in form of General Lincoln; but he replied that it 
was his duty and inclination to defend it to the last extremity. 
The batteries were then opened, and other measures adopted 
to gain possession of the place. 

The Southern country being open and level, Clinton had 
made great exertions to organize a corps of cavalry, and had 
siicceeded. He gave the command of it to Lieutenant-Colonel 
Tarleton, who afterwards acted a conspicuous part in the 
wars of the south. At Monk's Corner, about thirty miles 
above Charleston, a body of American cavalry, commanded 
by General Huger, was stationed, to keep up a communication 
with the country, and to check the foraging parties of the 
enemy. Clinton despatched Colonel Webster, with fifteen 
hundred men, of whom part were Tarleton's cavalry, to sur- 
prise them. A negro conducted them by a secret path, to the 
American videttes stationed about a mile from the main body. 
The alarm was then given ; but though Huger's troop kept their 
horses saddled, Tarleton rushed forward with such impetuosity, 
that he fell upon them before they could mount. Thirty were 
killed or taken, and the residue dispersed. By this victory, 
the enemy obtained the coutroul of most of the interior of the 
state. 

A reinforcement of three thousand men was received bjr 
the enemy from New York, and works were erected nearer the 
city. A council of war was held to determine what course 
should be pursued. General Lincoln was in favour of evacuat- 
ing the city ; but the principal inhabitants insisted, as they 
had before done, that he should remain to defend them. The 
council advised that an offer should be made to capitulate 
on condition that the garrison should still be permitted to bear 
arms, and the inhabitants be secured in their persons and 
property. These terms were rejected, and hostilities con- 
tinued. 

Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island, and several posts in the 
suburbs, fell into the power of the enemy. They completely 
invested the city, and so closely that some of their works were 
within twenty yards of the American lines. They began to 
make preparations for an assault, when the citizens, nothing 



THE UNITED STATES. 



259 



er.Yfo ^T *''^'^ ^^ the expected succour., requested thegen- 

rffl'diTSon'^Tl"^'*^'" on the term, ihich had Len 
uireiea oy LJinton. The proposition was made and accenh,^ ■ 
and, on the 12th of May, the forty-Becond day of ?he seke fhe 
city wa, surrendered All who had borne arms werepfrmit! 

towll" Z' tt" "."'>' '^**<'™l'*""de daring the war to defend a 

Xdt^^E:^irrtfe^„s^rt:^ 

Mnmn""^]"^ ^'"^ i"'^'"^^^^ to «end him between nne 
and ten thousand men ; and had they fulfilled their promises 
the city would doubtless have been saved. Promises, 

llie capital having surrendered, measures were adopted to 
overawe the inhabitants of the country, and ind'ice the^^ to 
return to their allegiance to the king. Garrisons were placed 

;ilf ^'n* r^' f ^^'' '^''^'^ ^«d two thousand men were 
despa ched towards North Carolina, to repel several parties 

Colond T;.r7el"^^ ^^^''' o7chLKor 

five mi el n fif?;? T "" '"^^^^ ™^''"^ ^^ ^"^ hundred and 
nve miles in fifty-four hours, met, at the Waxhaws and nf 

"r'w"'' '"'•'"^' ™"™-ded by iSCel Buford 
n^lhZ ' -^ !<»Venpv, was soon victorious. The van- 
quished, ceasing to resist, implored for quarter. Their cries 
were disregarded. Upwards of two hundred and fifty were 
Th ! h K "" '"'^'y mounded to bo removed from the field 

try and gavras'r'"''^ ""T^ '"^™='>' th™"?'"-"* «•« coun- 
try and gave a sunguinary character to future conflicts. 

inhlif ™t -S"^ ^'""^'^ ^^ enemies, the greater part of the 

become' :uWt*''r T" F-""'^' "' P"^°"«-^' « ' ™bmit ed 
to Become subjects to the king. S r Henrv Clinton after- 
wards, by proclamatio.,, discharged the fomier from their 

Jhi^cLtftth^ronly't-lTe^n^Lt'^o.^^^^^^^^^^^ 

^^dic^ :^; :tfe= ''-'' --esorvxra' 

PnfnrJ'f «^' '^^.'' had taken refuge in North Carolina, chose 
Colonel feumpter their leader. At the head of these he ret 
turned to his own «tate, attacked and defeated seveml scat- 
tered detachments from the British army. In one engagement 

hundri^r' "'''i"' t''''^' '^''' ""- «"^V, out ofSlyXee 
hundred escaped. By a succession of gallant enterprises he 
reammated the friends of freedom ; and a spirit of determined 



260 HISTORY OF 

hostility to Great Britain was again manifested in every part 
of the state. 

This spirit was cherished by the approach, from the north, 
of an army which had been despatched to defend and protect 
the Carolinas. When it began its march from New Jersey, it 
consisted of fourteen hundred men, commanded by the baron 
de Kalb. Though an able and active officer, his progress was 
slow. The congress had no money to purchase supplies, and 
the credit of the government was entirely exhausted. The 
troops obtained their support, on their way, by dispersing, 
and gathering it wherever it could be found. From Peters- 
burgh, in Virginia, they proceeded to the upper part of North 
Carolina. Passing through Hillsborough, they arrived at 
Deep Creek, in South Carolina, where, on the 25th of July, 
they were joined by General Gates, whom congress had ap- 
pointed to the chief command in the southern department. It 
was supposed that the conqueror of Burgoyne would attract 
to his standard the militia of the country, and, by inspiring 
confidence, increase the strength of the army. He directed 
his march towards Camden, where about two thousand British 
regulars were stationed, under the command of Lord Rawdon. 
The sufferings of the American troops now became even greater 
than they had4)een. Lean cattle found straying in the woods, 
green corn, and peaches, were their principal food. By such 
diet rendered sickly, and wearied by incessant toil, they ar- 
rived at Clermont, a few miles from Camden, on the 14th of 
August. The army had received additions on its march, and 
now amounted to about four thousand men, a large portion of 
whom were militia. 

In the mean time, Sir Henry Clinton had returned to New 
York, leaving Lord Cornwallis to command in his stead. On 
hearing of the approach of Gates, he hastened to Camden, where 
he arrived on the same 14th of August. How could he relieve 
his small force from the danger which threatened it ? To re- 
treat would be giving up the state. To await an attack at 
Camden, an ill-chosen position, he considered perilous and un- 
wise. Rejecting these two courses, he boldly resolved to at- 
tack Gates in his camp at Clermont. 

Gates determined to take a strong position nearer to Cam- 
den, and for this purpose left his camp in the night of the 15th. 
At the same hour, Cornwallis left Camden to surprise Gates. 
At half past two, the next morning, the advanced parties, to 
the surprise of both, met and engaged. In several skirmishes 
which took place, the British obtained the advantage. This 
depressed the spirits of the militia, who looked forward to the 
morning with gloomy forebodings. 

When the morning dawned, the enemy advanced to the at- 
tacl^. At the first onset the Virginia militia fied from the field, 



THE UNITED STATES. 261 

atid their example was followed by others. The Continentals, 
thougli left alone to contend with superior numbers, main- 
tained the conflict with great firmness. For a short time, 
they had the advantage of their opponents ; but their com- 
mander, De Kalb, was killed : they then gave way, and the 
flight became general. 

The fugitives were pursued by Tarleton's legion with 
relentless fury. When all were killed, captured, or dis- 
persed, the pursuers, with speed unchecked, took the route 
towards Sumpter's encampment. This active partisan, who 
had lately been victorious in a skirmish, retreated precipi- 
tately, on hearing of the defeat of Gates. At the Catawba 
Ford, supposing that he was beyond danger, he halted, that 
his troops, who were fatigued , might repose. His sentinels 
slept at their posts, and the legion rode into his camp before 
preparations could be made for defence. Between three and 
four hundred were killed or wounded ; the remainder were 
dispersed in the woods ; three hundred prisoners released ; all 
the baggage and stores fell into the power of the victors. 

Again supposing the state to be subdued, Cornwallis adopted 
measures of extreme severity to suppress every latent incli- 
nation to revolt. He directed that all who, having once sub- 
mitted, had lately given aid to the armies of congress, should 
be deprived of their property and imprisoned ; and that all, 
who had once borne arms with the British, and afterwards 
joined the Americans, should suffer death. In consequence of 
these orders, several were executed, and many were reduced 
to poverty and wretchedness. 

In these times of confusion and distress, the mischievous ef- 
fects of slaverj'^, in facilitating the conquest of the country be- 
came apparent. As the slaves had no interest at stake, the 
subjugation of the States was a matter of no consequence to 
them. Instead of aiding in their defence, they by a variety of 
means, threw the weight of their little influence into the op- 
posite scale. 

There were yet some citizens, who, in all fortunes adhered 
with firmness to the cause of independence. Of these, in one 
part of the state. General S!imi)ter was the leader ; in another. 
General Marion. The cavalry of the latter were so destitute 
of the weapons of war, that they were obliged to cut their 
swords from the saws of the saw-mills. He was so success- 
ful in concealing himself in woods and marshes, that the ene- 
my were never able to attack or discover him. From these 
dark retreats he often sallied forth, and fell upon parties of the 
enemy, when marching through the country, or posted in gar- 
risons to overawe the inhabitants. In one of these sallies, he 
released one hundred and fifty Continentials captured at Cam- 
den. His repeated and successful excursions preserved alive 
the spirit of resistance, and his high fame as a partisan 



262 HISTORY OS" 

was never tarnished by any violation of the laws of war or 
humanity. 

Of those who submitted through fear, or from attachment 
to the royal cause, Major Ferguson, a British officer of dis- 
tinguished merit, was appointed commander. He was des- 
patched, by Cornwalls, into the western part of North Carolina, 
where, other tories joining him, his force was aogumented to 
fourteen hundred men. An enterprise against this party was 
concerted by the commanders of the milita, in the adjacent 
I)arts of tlie two Carolinas and Virginia. About the 1st of 
October, they, by great exertions, assembled three thousand 
men at Gilbert Town. From these, fifteen hundred choice 
riflemen were selected ; who, mounted on the best horses, 
liastened to the attack of Ferguson. 

He awaited them on the top of King's Mountain. The 
militia, in three divisions, led by Colonels Cleveland, Shelby, 
and Campbell, ascended it in different directions. These 
divisions successively arriving, were each repulsed ; but each, 
when the enemy, ])y an attack from a different quarter, were 
recalled from pursuit, returned again to the charge. In this 
manner the action was continued for an hour with great 
spirit. Ferguson was then killed, and with him exi)ired the 
courage of his party. Eight hundred threw down their arms, 
and became prisoners. One hundred and fifty were killed. 
Very few of tlie assailants fell. Ten of the most active among 
the tories were selected, by the exasperated whigs, and im- 
mediately hanged on the spot. 

Cornwallis, confident of his ability to subjugate the state, 
had followed Ferguson into North Carolina. Receiving notice 
of his entire defeat, he returned and took post at Winnsborough. 
As he retired. Gates, who had assembled an army of fourteen 
hundred men, advanced to Charlotte, where he determined to 
pass the winter. He was soon after recalled by congress, 
and, on the recommendation of Washinghni, General Greene 
was withdrawn from the northern army to take command of 
the department of the south. 

By the northern army, which, as has been" stated, was posted 
at West Point and Morristown, little more was attempted, 
during the year, than to watch the motions of the enemy in 
New York, and protect the inhabitants from their incursions. 
The troops, unfed, unpaid, and unemployed, discovered, at 
various times, a disposition to mutiny. On these occasions, 
the British commander, by means of emissaries sent among 
them, invited them to repair to the city, where he promised 
them comfort and abundance. His invitations were disre- 
garded. Relief from distress was all they sought; and when 
that was ol)tained, they cheerfully returned to their duty. 

In July, a French squadron under Admiral Terna}^, bringing 
six thousand troops, commanded by Count Rochambeau, ar^ 



THE UNITED STATES* 263 

rived at Rhode Island, which had previously been evacuated 
by the enemy ; they were immediately blockaded in the har- 
bour they had entered, by a British fleet. Reinforced by these 
troops, Washington determined to attack New York ; the 
army marched to stations nearer the city, and rejoiced in the 
hope of being able to accomplish something for their country ; 
but the arrival from England of another fleet, under Admiral 
Rodney, disconcerted the plan which had been formed. 

Defeat at the south and disappointment at the north over- 
shadowed the land with gloom ; but intelligence that treason 
had ajipeared in the American camp occasioned ama/ement 
and alarm. The traitor was Arnold, whom bravery in I)attle 
and fortitude in sutfering had placed high in the affections of 
the people. 

Upon the evacuation of Philadelphia, by the enemy, in 1778, 
he was appointed commander of that station. Here, indulg- 
ing in all the pleasures of an expensive equipage and sumptuous 
table, he contracted debts which he was unable to discharge. 
To extricate himself from embarrasment, he made large claims 
against the government, a pro})ortion of which was rejected. 
He was accused of extortion and of misuse of the public money ; 
and for these offences was tried by a court-martial, and 
sentenced to be reprimanded by the commander-in-chief. 

From this moment, he determined to avenge his wounded 
l)ride and supply his wants by betraying liis country. In a 
letter to a British officer, he signified his change of princii)le, 
and his wish to restore himself to the favour of liis prince, by 
some signal proof of his repentance ; and about this time, for 
a purpose which afterwards too plainly appeared, he solicited 
and obtaned the command of West Point, the most important 
post in the possession of the American armies. 

He imed lately opened a correspondence with Sir Henry 
Clinton, and proposed to deliver into his power the post that 
he commanded. To agree upon the mode of surrender, INIajor 
Andre, a young man of splendid talents, and adjutant-general 
of the British army, ascended the river from New York, and, 
in the night, at a plaice near the American lines, had an inter- 
view with Arnold. Before he was prepared to return, the 
aloop-of-war which brought him was compelled to move down 
the river. 

In this emergency, Andre, disguised as a traveller, assum- 
ing the name of Anderson, and furnished by Arnold with a 
pass, set out to return by land to New York. He passed all 
the guards and posts without awakening suspicion ; but was 
stopped, when near the end of his journey, by three of the New 
York militia, Avhose names were Paulding, Williams, and 
Vanwart. 8uppusing them to be soldiers of his own army, 
instead of producing his pass, he declared himself a British 
officer^ and desired he might not be detained. 



^64 HISTORY OF 

On discovering his mistake, he offered them a J)urse Of gold 
Sind a valuable watch, and promised more ample rewards 
from his government, if they would permit him to escape. 
Rejecting, with patriotism worthy of all praise, these tempt- 
ing offers, they conducted him to Colonel Jameson, who was 
stationed near the American lines. In his boots were found a 
particular statement of the strength of the garrison, and a 
description of the works at West Point. Anxious for the 
safety of Arnold, he desired the colonel to inform him that 
Anderson was taken. An express was unwarily despatched 
with the intelligence. Arnold, comprehendmg his danger, 
made a precipitate flight to New York. 

Andre, disdaining longer concealment, then avowed him- 
self to be the adjutant-general of the British army. Suspicion 
being now excited, Colonel Jameson transmitted to the com- 
mander-in-chief, who was not far distant, information of all 
the events which had occured. Washington, hastening to West 
Point, made arrangements for repelling any attack that might 
he made. Measures of precaution being taken, the fate of the 
prisoners was next to be decided. 

His case was referred to a board of officers. Appearing be- 
fore them, he confessed, with ingenuous frankness, every cir- 
<3umstance relating to himself, but would disclose nothing 
which might involve others in his misfortune. He displayed, 
in all his conduct while a prisoner, great nobleness of mind ; 
but the board, constrained by duty, reported that he must be 
considered as a spy, and, agreeably to the law of nations, 
ought to suffer death. 

Sir Henry Clinton, by whom he was highly esteemed, made 
every exertion in his power to avert his fate. He entreated, 
remonstrated, and threatened. To have yielded would have 
iDetrayed timidity and weakness, and encouraged future trea- 
son. Andre suffered an ignominious death, with a degree of 
composure and fortitude which proved how great and illustri- 
ous he might have been, had he not stooped, in an evil hour, to 
the commission of an ignominious action. 

Arnold received, as the reward of his treachery, the sum of 
ten thousand pounds, and the rank of brigadier-general in the 
British army. But he was detested by liis new associates ; and 
his name will be forever synonymous with infamy and baseness. 
In contrast with his, how bright shines the fame of the three 
captors of Andre! They were not then, nor can they ever be, 
forgotten by a country which owes so much to their fidelity. 
Each received the thanks of congress, a silver medal, and a 
pension for life, which has been doubled at a subsequent season 
of greater nationtil prosperity. 

At the close of the year 1780, the troops of the northern 
army retired to the winter quarters which they had last occu- 
pied. Again they endured distress at which patriotism feels 



THE UNITED STATES. 265 

indignant and humanity weeps. The harvest had been abun- 
dant. Plenty reigned in the land, but want in the camp of its 
defenders. Selfishness had succeeded patriotism, lassitude 
enthusiasm, ni the breasts of the people, and congress exerted 
its powers with too little vigour to draw forth the resources of 
the country. 

The soldiers of the Pennsylvania line were stationed at Mor- 
ristown, in New Jersey. They complained that, in addition 
to sustaining sufferings common to all, they were refained in 
service contrary to the terms of their enlistments. In the 
night of the 1st of .January, thirteen hundred, on a concerted 
signal, paraded under arms, and declared their intention of 
niarchingto Philadelphia, and demanding of congress a redress 
of their grievances. 

The officers strove to compel them to relinquish their purpose. 
In the attempt, one was killed, and several were wounded 
General Wayne presented his pistols, as if intending to fire. 
1 hey held their bayonets to his breast. " We love and respect 
you," said they, " but if you fire, you are a dead man. We 
are not going to the enemy. On the contrary, if they were 
now to come out, you should see us fight under your orders 
with as much alacrity as ever. But we will be amused no 
longer; we are determined to obtain what is our just due." 

They elected temporary officers, and moved ofFin a body to- 
wards Princeton. General Wayne, to prevent them from 
plundering the inhabitants, forwarded provisions for their use 
The next day, he followed, and requested them to appoint a 
man from each regiment, to state to him their complaints. The 
nien were appointed, a conference held, but he refused to com- 
ply with their demands. 

They proceeded in good order to Princeton. Three emis- 
saries from Sir Henry Clinton, meeting them here, made them 
I liberal offers to entice them from the service of congress The 
offers were instantly rejected, and the emissaries seized and 
I confined in strict custody. Here they were also met by a com- 
. mitte of congress, and a deputation from the state of Pennsyl- 
! vania. The latter, granting a part of their demands, per- 
suaded them to return to their duty. The agents of Clinton 
were then given up, and immediately executed as spies. 

This mutiny, and another in the Jersey line, which was in- 
stantly suppressed, aroused the attention of the States to the 
miserable condition of their troops. The amount of three 
months' pay was raised and forwarded to them in specie. They 
received it with joy, as it afforded evidence that their country 
was not unmindful of their sufferings. 



2jg HISTORY 0» 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1781, AND TEEMINATION OF THE WAR. 

It has not yet been mentioned that, a. early as 1™' ^y'"!?" 
Lee an envoy from the United States, and Jolin de NeufviUe 
acting in theLme of Van Berkel, the P"nc>pal magjstrates of 

the city of Amsterdam, meetmg at Al'^Tl'^-'^^f ^/Ji »„^ Hnl- 
upon JSe plan of a treaty between the Umted States and H^^^^^ 
\Li\ This could have no validity until it had receivea me 
^sent of all the Dutch provinces ; but that, it was supposed 

^ ^^.^^ ;- f^oroT^iiro f ^ 
iL^d^-s=iS%^*=:^-i2r 

Sf^^^V'thetong^^s" appointed Henry Laurens minister to 
Sonand and empowered Um to conclude a eon^mercial trea > 
Zm, that rpDublic He left the country in the fall ot ttie 5 ear , 
r sh^1;,iS he stalled was eapt-d; he threw his papers 

nf +hp T>ntoh were friendlv to America aH well as hostile to 

SSrtsrih-f^-iSSS 

•^"^■^ rinan^d'" ^o^lSTV-i^e^^sttgSbyViaeTas 

IfeTu^fes^S^trfiTstf huuSet new enemy, when aroused, 
"Slom"„:rf/of venations not engaged fi^^J^r^^ 

*j?r%\°^iiJ;t%'o"s^^ 

S&roVSe whr:«fferea. To resist her pretens.ous^ 



tai UNItEl) STAtlS, 267 

and to protect their comnierce, the northern European powers, 
at the head of which was the empress of Russia, formed an 
association, styled the Armed Neutrality. They insisted that 
neutral ships should be allowed a free navigation, even from 
one port to another of nations at war ; that the goods of an 
enemy should not be taken from the ships of a neutral ; and 
that no ports should be considered blockaded unless closely 
invested by ships-of-war. The congress declared its approba- 
tion of the principles of this association, and, in December, 
1780, appointed Francis Dana minister to Russia, with power 
to accede to a league for protecting the freedom of commerce 
and the rights of nations. 

In America, it was determined to open the campaign at the 
north by besieging New York. Requisitions for men and 
stores were made upon the Northern States, and, in June, the 
French and American troops, marching from their respective 
positions, encamped together on ground contiguous to the cit}'. 
But reinforcements aud supplies arrived slowly, and the want 
of them compelled the troops in the field to remain inactive. 

In the southern department, far different was the fortune of 
the opposing armies. That of which General Greene took the 
command, consi!«!ted of but two thousand men. Nearly one 
half of these he despatched, under General Morgan, into the 
western section of South Carolina, where a British partj'-, 
aided by the tories, were plundering and murdering the whigs 
without mercy and without restraint. 

Against the American detachment, Cornwaliis despatched 
Tarleton, with a force considerably superior, and a large pro- 
portion of it cavalry. :Morgan began to retreat, but, disdain- 
ing to fly from an enemy, and uncertain whether he could 
escape an officer so distinguished as his pursuer for the celerit}-- 
of his movements, he, on the 17th of .January, halted at the 
I Cowpens, and determined to hazard a battle, before his troop- 
I became dispirited and fatigued. 

i Soon after he had placed his men, the British van appeared 
I in sight. Confident of an easy victory, Tarleton rushed to the 
j charge with his usual impetuosity. The militia posted in front 
j yielded, as directed by INIorgan, to the sliock; and the in- 
fantry composing the second line, retreated a few yards. In 
the ardour of pursuit, the enemy were thrown into disorder : 
the infantry, facing about, poured upon them a fire as deadly 
as it was unexpected. Their disorder was increased, and a 
charge with the bayonet completed their overthrow. One 
hundred of the pnemy were killed, and five hundred made 
prisoners. 

Seldom has a victory, achieved by so small a number, been 
so important in its consequences. ' It deprived Cornwaliis of 
one filth of his force, and disconcerted his plans for the reduc- 
tion of North Carolina. He sought, however, to repair, by 



268 HISTORY OF 

active exertions, the loss which he had suffered. Havm| 
learnt that Morgan, the instant after his victory, had marched 
with his prisoners towards Virginia, he determined, if possible 
to intercept him, and compel him to restore his trophies. 

Now commenced a military race which has hardly its 
parallel in history. Each army strove to arrive first at the 
Fords of the Catawba, from which both were equally distant. 
The American troops endured almost incredible hardships. 
They were sometimes without meat, often without flour, and 
always without spiritous liquors. Many, marching over frozen 
ground without shoes, marked with blood every step ol their 

progress^ twelfth day after the battle, Morgan reached the 
fords and crossed the Catawba. Two hours afterwards, Corn- 
wallis arrived, and, it being then dark, encamped on the bank. 
In the night, a heavy fall of rain made the river impassable. 
This gave Morgan an opportunity to remove the prisoners be- 
yond the reach of his pursuer. And here he was joined by 
General Greene, who, leaving the main body of his army, with 
orders to march towards Virginia, had ridden, with but two 
or three attendants, one hundred and fifty miles for that 
purpose. ^ , , 

At the end of three days, Corawalhs found means to pass 
the river. The retreat and pursuit again commenced. On the 
second night, the Americans reached a ford on the Yadkin. 
Before all had crossed, the British appeared, and a part of the 
baggage was left in their power. Again the two armies lay 
encamped on the opposite banks, and, before morning, this 
river also was made impassable by the ram. This second pre- 
servation from imminent danger persuaded the Americans that 
their cause was favoured of Heaven. 

The next day, Greene proceeded to Guilford court-house, 
where he was joined by the other division of his army. Com- 
wallis, marching up the Yadkin, crossed at the shallow forda 
near its source. Both armies now started for the River Dan, 
on the borders of Virginia, and distant more than one hundred 
miles. The knowledge that there the course must terminate, 
gave fresh vigour to the troops, and a new impulse to their 
speed. On tihe fifth day, the American army, having, in the 
last twenty-f^ur hours, marched forty miles, crossed the river 
in boats which had been collected for the purpose; and 
scarcely were they over when the British appeared on the op- 
posite shore. , . . , . 

Chagrined that his adversary had thus eluded his grasp, 
Comwallis wheeled about and marched sullenly to Hills- 
borough. Here many loyalists resorted to his standard. Six 
hundred Virginia militia having, in the mean time, joined the 
American army, Greene determined to recross the Dan, and, 



THE UNITED STATES. 269 

by his presence in North Carolina, support the courage of those 
who had embraced the cause of independence. 

Cornwallis having detached Tarleton, with his legion, to the 
country on the branches of the Haw River, in order to coun- 
tenance the rising of the loyalists in that neighbourhood, a 
body of cavalry under Lieutenant Colonel Lee, and of militia 
under General Pickens, were directed to march thither and at- 
tack him. Lee, who led the van, overtook, in a long lane, a 
band of tories, on their way to the enemy. Mistaking him for 
Tarleton, they expressed a lively joy at the meeting, and de- 
clared their zealous attachment to the royal cause. 

Hoping to surprise Tarleton, who was but a mile in advance, 
Lee forebore to correct their error ; but while he was endea- 
vouring to pass them, the militia came up and engaged their 
rear. Eelinquishing his first project, he ordered his cavalry to 
fall upon the tories, who were slaughtered without mercy, 
while protesting they were "the very best friends of the 
king." Between two and three hundred were killed. Tarle- 
ton, alarmed by the firing, retreated instantly to Hillsborough. 
On his way, he cut down a small party of royalists, mistaking 
them for whig militia. 

Leaving Hillsborough, Cornwallis next encamped near Guil- 
ford court-house. Greene, having been still further strength- 
ened by several bodies of militia, pursued and offered him bat- 
tle. On the 15th of March, an engagement was fought. At 
the first fire, the North Carolina militia, who were in the front 
line-fled. The second line was also routed. The Continentals, 
who composed the third, fought with their usual bravery, and 
for an hour and a half maintained the conflict with great firm- 
ness. They at length gave way, but retreated in good order, 
the slaughter they had made in the enemy's ranks prevent- 
ing pursuit. Both sides sustained nearly an equal loss. 

This victory, won by a far inferior force, was more glorious 
than advantageous to the British army. Greene^ expecting 
and desiring to be attacked at"^is place of retreat, made pre- 
parations for a second engagement. Cornwallis, far from 
courting a battle, deemed it prudent to retire to Wilmmgton, 
near the sea. He was pursued for a few days ; but so exces- 
sive had been the sufferings of the Americans, from hunger and 
fatigue, that many fainted on the march ; and at Ramsay's 
Mills the army halted to seek refreshment and repose. 

After remaining three weeks at Wilmington, Cornwallis pro- 
ceeded to Petersburgh, in Virginia. From Ramsay's JNIills, 
Greene marched towards Camden, where were posted nine 
hundred men, under the command of Lord Rawdon. He took 
a position on Hobkirk's Hill, about a mile from the British in- 
trenchments. At this position, the Americans were attacked 
on the 25th of April. In the beginning of the action, their 
bravery gained advantages which, in its progress, were lost 



270 HISTORY OF 

by an incident such a« often decides the fate of battles. A cap- 
tain being killed, his company got into confusion, fell back, and 
drew with it the adjoining company. The colonel ordered the 
rest of the regiment to make a retrogade movement, for the^ 
purpose of taking a stronger position in the rear, and in a line] 
with those companies. This was mistaken for an order to re-" 
treat, and the regiment gave way. The enemy pressed for- ' 
ward with increased ardour, and all endeavours to rally the 
regiment, which was the bravest in the army, were inetfectual. 
Another regiment gave way, and then another, when Greene, 
resolving to preserve his troops for a more auspicious occasion, 
retired a few miles from the field. The enemy pursued ; but 
Colonel Washington, facing about, made a vigorous charge 
upon their van, and drove them back. The loss sustained on 
each side was nearly equal. 

In April and May, several British posts in South Carolina 
fell finto the power of the brave and active partisans, who, 
with- small bodies of troops, were ever present where oppres- 
sion was to be resisted or glory won. Marion and Lee invested 
and took Fort Watson. Orangeburg and Fort Motte surren- 
dered to Sumpter. Lee captured Fort Granby, and Marion 
drove from Georgetown the troops stationed to defend it. 
None of these posts had numerous garrisons, the prisoners being 
less, in the whole, than eight hundred; but the advantages they 
had secured to the enemy rendered their capture important to 
the American cause. ,, 

The loss of these posts exposed those nearer Charlestoii to 
danger ; and, should the latter be lost, the troops in that city 
would be unable to receive supplies from the country. Lord 
Rawdon, therefore, near the end of May, retreated from Cam- 
den, and took post at Monk's Corner, leaving garrisons only 
at Ninety-Six and Augusta. The latter post was besieged by 
Lee, and soon capitulated. Ninety-Six, which was much 
stronger, was invested by the,main army. The siege had con- 
tinued three weeks, and eventual success appeared certain, 
when intelligence arrived that Lord Rawdon, having received 
a reinforcement from Ireland, was approaching, with two thou- 
sand men to the relief of the place. All hope was now lost of 
reducing it by the slow operation of a siege. On the 18th of 
June, the Americans, with great gallantry, made an assault 
upon the works. They were received with no less gallantry 
by the garrison, and repulsed. Greene then retired towards 
North Carolina, and three days afterwards Lord Rawdon ar- 
rived at Ninety-Six. 

Durirtg this year, the inhabitants of the baroliiias endured 
calamity and distress from which humanity revolts with hor- 
ror. The country was ravaged and plundered by both armies. 
The people, in sentiment^ were about equally divided. Village 
was hostile to village, and neighbour to neighbour ; and their 



J 



TH*; UNITED STATES. 



ih 



hostility had been imbittered by accusation and retort, by at- 
tack and reprisal, until pillage, burning, and murder, becaine 
familiar to all. Whenever a republican or royalist fell into 
the power of an adversary, he was instantly sacrificed in re- 
venge of a friend, or to gratify political hatred. It is asserted 
that, in this manner, thousands were put to death. Each party 
aimed at the extirpation of the other, and the whole country 
presented an unvaried scene of blood and slaughter. But cen- 
sure ought not to rest equally upon the two parties. In the 
commencement of the contest, the British, to terrify the peo- 
ple into submission set an example, which the tories were 
quick, but the whigs slow, to follow ; and in its progress the 
American generals, and they alone, seized every occasion to 
disgountenance such vindictive and barbarous conduct. 

Lord Rawdon having returned to England, the command of 
the British troops, in South Carolina, devolved upon Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Stewart. In the beginning of September, he took 
post at Eutaw. Greene marched against him from the High 
Hills of Santee. Their forces were equal, amounting on each 
side to twp thousand men. On the 8th, a battle was fought, 
more bloody, perhaps, than any Avhichhad occurred during the 
war. The attack was made by the Americans ; the British, 
resolute and brave, made an obstinate resistance, but were at 
length driven in disorder from the tieldi 

A small number, on their retreat, took possession of a ^rge 
brick house, and others of an adjoining picketed garden. From 
these strong positions a deadly fire was poured upon the Ameri- 
cans, who persisted for a long time, in a rash attempt to take 
them by storm. This check enabled the British commander to 
rally his broken battalions, and bring them again into action. 
Greene, despairing of further success, withdrew his troops, car- 
rying with him his wounded and prisoners. 

The loss on both sides was uncommonly great, in propor- 
tion to the nunibers engaged. On the American aide, the 
number of killed and wounded amounted. to five hundred and 
fifty ; on that of the British, as stated by themselves, to almost 
seven hundred. This sanguinary battle Avas followed by the 
retreat of the British army towards Charleston. The Ameri- 
cans pursued, and, by establishing a chain of posts at a short 
distance from that city, protected the state from their incur- 
sions, 

Cornwallis, who left North Carolina in April, arrived at 
Petersburgh, in Virginia, on the 20th of May. He there formed 
a junction with a British detachment, which, commanded at 
first by Arnold, and aft^'rwards by Phillips, had previously 
gained possession of Richmond and Portsmouth. ,\Vith tfie 
force now at his command, he flattered hiniself that he should 
be able to add this state also to the list of his couquestSv 

The American troops stationed in Virginia for its defence 



372 HISTORY OF 

were indeed entirely insufficient to oppose any effectual re- 
sistance. Under their gallant leader, the marquis de la 
Fayette, they accomplished even more than was expected ; 
but were unable to prevent the enemy from marching through 
the country, and destroying much public and private property. 

From these excursions, Comwallis was recalled to the sea- 
coast by his commander-in-chief, who, having intercepted a 
letter from Washington to congress, became acquainted with 
the danger which threatened New York. He was directed to 
take a position near the ocean, where his army and the fleet 
might afford mutual protection, until the event of the opera- 
tions at the north should be known. He selected York- town 
and Gloucester Point, situated on opposite sides of York 
River, which empties into Chesapeake Bay. He had an army 
of more than ten thousand men, and applied all his means, 
with unwearied industry and zeal, to fortify these command- 
ing positions. 

In the mean time, but little progress had been made in the 
preparations to besiege New York. Of the six thousand men, 
whom the Northern States were required to furnish for that 
purpose, a few hundreds only, at the beginning of August, had 
joined the army. On the other hand, the enemy in the city 
had been strengthened by the arrival of three thousand Ger- 
mans. In this posture of affairs, the idea of an expedition 
against Cornwallis occurred to the commander-in-chief. While 
deliberating on the enterprise, he received information that a 
French fleet, under the count de Grasse, with three thousand 
troops on board, was on the way to America, and destined to 
the Chesapeake. 

He hesitated no longer, but determined to conduct the ex- 
pedition in person. The show of an intention to attack New 
York was nevertheless preserved. After the troops left their 
respective positions, and crossed the Hudson, their march was 
so directed as to lead Sir Henry Clinton to believe that it was 
the object of Washington to gain possession of Staten Island, 
in order to facilitate his designs against the city. The des- 
patches he had intercepted assisted to deceive him ; and not 
until the army had crossed the Delaware, and was thus be- 
yond the reach of pursuit, did he suspect the real object of his 
adversary. 

He then determined to profit by his absence, or recall him, 
by some daring enterprise at the north. Giving to the traitor 
Arnold, who had just returned from Virginia, the command of 
a strong detachment, he sent him against New London, a 
flourishing city situated upon the River Thames, in his native 
state. Nearly opposite, on a hill in Groton, stood Fort Gris- 
wold, which was then garrisoned by militia, hastily summoned 
from their labours in the field. 

Against this fort Arnold despatched a part of his troops. 



THE UNITED STATES. 273 

It was assaulted on three sides at the same moment. The 
garrison> fighting in view of their property and their homes, 
made a brave and obstinate resistance. By their steady and 
welf-directed fire, many of the assailants were killed. Press- 
ing forward with persevering ardour, the enemy entered the 
fort through the embrazures. Immediately all resistance 
ceased. Irritated by gallantr}- which should have caused ad- 
miration, a British officer inquired who commanded the fort. 
" I did," said Colonel Ledyard, " but you do now," and pre- 
sented him his sword. He seized it, and with savage cruelty 
plunged it into his bosom. This was the signal for an indis- 
criminate massacre. Of one hundred and sixty men compos- 
ing the garrison, all but forty were killed or wounded, and 
most of them after resistance had ceased. Seldom has the 
glory of victory been tarnished by such detestable barbarity. 
The enemy-^then entered New London, which was set on fire 
and consumed. The property destroyed was of immense 
value. Perceiving no other object within the reach of his 
force, Arnold led back his troops to New York. 

The march of Washington was not arrested by this barbar- 
ous inroad. Pie pressed forward with the utmost speed, the 
great object in view imparting vigour to his troops. At 
Chester, he received the cheering intelligence, that admiral de 
Grasse had entered the Chesapeake with a force sufficiently 
strong to prevent the escape of the enemy by water. On the 
25th of September, the last division of the allied forces arrived 
at the place appointed for their meeting. The whole consisted 
of sixteen thousand men, and was furnished with a large and 
powerful train of battering artillery. 

A body of troops under general de Choise was stationed to 
watch the small garrison at Gloucester Point, on the north 
bank of the river ; and on the 28tli the several divisions 
destined to besiege the main garrison at Yorktown, reached 
the positions assigned them. On the night of the 6th of 
October, advancing to within six hundred yards of the 
enemy's lines, they began their first parallel, and laboured 
with such silence and diligence, that they were not discovered 
until morning, when the works they had raised were sufilcient 
to protect them. 

Cornwallis might probably have harassed the Americans 
more than he did, and hindered their progress in enclosing 
him ; but Sir Henry Clinton had assured him that a fleet, 
carrying troops for his relief, would leave New York on the 
5th.' Confiding in ultimate success, and believing, perhaps, 
that it would be more signal and complete if the besiegers 
were allowed to approach without much show of resistance, 
he had withdrawn his troops from the remote outposts, and 
stationed them within the main line of fortifications. Clinton 
M 5 



214: HISTORY OF 

was cetisiired for making a promise which^ as tlie event show- 
ed, he coiild not fulfil. Cornwallis was more severely cen- 
sured for relying upon it ; for, even if the fleet had set sail, it 
might never have reached him. 

On the 9th, several batteries being completed, a heavy can- 
nonade was begun. Many of the enemy's guns were dis- 
mounted, and portions of their fortifications laid level with 
the ground. On the night of the 11th, the besiegers commenced 
their second parallel, three hundred yards in advance of the 
fij'st. This approach was made so much sooiier than was ex- 
pected, that the men were not discovered at their labour, un- 
til they had rendered themselves secure from all molestation 
in front. The tire from the new batteries was still more furi- 
ous and destructive. 

From two British redoubts, in advance of their main works, 
and flanking those of the besiegers, the men in the trenches 
were so severely annoyed that Washington resolved to storm 
them. The enterprise against one was committed to an 
American, that against the other to a French detachment. 
Colonel Hamilton, who led the van of t|^e former, made such 
an impetuous attack, that possession was soon obtained, with 
little slaughter. Retaliation for the carnage at Fort Griswold 
might have been justified. But " the soldiers," said Colonel 
Hamilton, '^ incapable of imitating examples of barbarity, and 
forgetting resent provocation, spared ev^ry man that ceased to 
resist." The French detachment was equally brave and suc- 
cessful, but, opposed by a stronger force, sustained a more 
considerable loss. 

The relief expected from the' north came not ; instead of it 
came a message from Clinton, that he had been delayed by the 
necessity of repairing his ships, and should endeavour, but 
might not be able, to dispatch the fleet by the 12th. Cornwal- 
lis began to feel alarm ; the pressure was more severe than he 
had anticipated. Perceiving no certainty of safety but in 
flight, he attempted, on the evening of the 1 Gth, to cross over 
to Gloucester, intending to force his way through the troops 
under De Choise, and proceed by rapid marches to New York. 
Before reaching the opposite shore with the first division of 
his army, a storm dispersed his boats, and compelled him to 
abandon the project. 

On the morning of the 17th, additional batteries were com- 
pleted by the besiegers. The cannonade became too powerful 
to be resisted. The enemy's works were sinking rapidly under 
it, and nearly all their guns were silenced. Before noon, 
Cornwallis beat a parley, and proposed that commissioners 
should be appointed to settle terms of surrender. They were 
accordingly appointed, and, on the 19th of October, the term- 
which they had agreed upon were ratified by the resT)ecti\ » 
commanders. 



THE UNITED STATES. 27^5 

The naval force in the harbour was surrendered to be 
Grasse, the garrison to the American general. To the garrison 
the same terms were granted as had been conceded to the 
troops who capitulated at Charleston ; and General Lincoln, 
who was present, was designated by Washington to receive 
the sword of Cornwallis. The number of prisoners exceeded 
seven thousand, of whom nearly three thousand were not fit 
for duty. Five days after the surrender, the ppmised fleet, 
bringing seven thousand troops, arrived at the entrance of the 
bay ; but the admiral learning the fate of the army, returned 
to New York. 

On no occasion during the. war did the American people 
manifest greater exultation and joy. To the Giver of all good 
they united in rendering, with grateful hearts, thanksgiving 
and praise for the decisive victory which he had enabled them 
to gain. From the nature and duration, of the contest, the affec- 
tions of many had been so concentrated upon their country, 
and so intense was their interest in its fate, that the news of 
this brilliant success produced the most rapturous emotions, 
under the operation of which some were deprived of their 
reason, and one aged patriot in Philadelphia expired. 

The loss of a second entire army extinguished every hope 
which the people of Great Britain had entertained of the sub- 
jugation of their colonies. Their burdens, which, although 
heav}^, they had borne with patience, while animated by the 
prospect of success, now pressed with intolerable weight. They 
.demanded, with an almost unanimous voice, that an end skould 
speedily be put to a hopeless and ruinous war. But the 
speech of the king to parliament, at the opening of the winter 
session, discovered that his feelings and determination re- 
mained unchanged. Bearing no portion of the burdens of war, 
he felt, with undiminished force, his reluctance to part with 
the authority which he had once exercised over three millions 
of subjects. 

But the house of commons, speaking the sentiments of the 
})eople, expressed, in energetic language, their disapprobation 
of all further attempts to reduce the colonies to obedience by 
force. Lord North, contrary to the wishes of his sovereign, 
then resigned the office of prime minister. Another cabinet 
was formed, who advised the king to concede independence 
to the colonies. Early in the spring of 1782, pacific overtures 
were accordingly made to the AHierican government, and both 
nations desisted from hostile measures. 

Congress had previously appointed John Adams, of Mas- 
sachusetts, a commissioner to treat with Great Britain, when- 
ever her government should express a desire for peace. He 
was one of the earliest opposers of parliamentary encroach- 
ment. Actuated by hatred of tyranny as well as love of 
country, he had, before resistance was contemplated by others^ 



276 HISTORY OP 

devoted all the energies of his powerful mind to the work of 
enlightening the people, and preparing them for the contest 
which he foresaw was approaching. In the Continental con- 
gress he was conspicuous for his talents and zeal. Appointed 
minister to Holland, he succeeded in obtaining a loan at Am- 
sterdam when the resources of his country were almost ex- 
hausted, and in concluding with that republic a treaty of 
amit}' and commerce. 

As colleagues with him, congress now appointed Benjamin 
Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens. The first was minis- 
ter to France. He was beloved by his country for the ser- 
vices he had rendered her, and illustrious throughout the 
world for his inventive genius and practical philosophy. John 
Jay was a native of New York ; was distinguished for the 
purity of his moral character, and his attachment to the rights 
of mankind. He had long been a member of congress, and 
was then the representative of the United States at the Span- 
ish court. Henry Laurens was a citizen of South Carolina, 
had been president of congress, had been appointed minister to 
Holland, but, when crossing the ocean, was captured by a 
British Cruiser, and confined, on a charge of treason, to the 
Tower of London. In the endurance of sufferings in his 
country's cause, he displayed a character formed after the mo- 
dels of antiquity. 

To negociate with these, Mr. Oswald was appointed on the 
part of Great Britain. The conferences were opened at Paris, 
in April ; and at the same time plenipotentiaries from all the 
powers at M'ar were assembled, in that city, to treat of a ge- 
neral peace. The pride of the mother country, and her com- 
mendable solicitude for the interests of the loyalists, placed 
impediments in the way of the negociations between her and 
her late colonies which occasioned considerable delay. The 
first commission to Mr. Oswald authorized him to treat with 
any commissioners of the American '' colonies." Doctor 
Franklin and Mr. Jay (Mr. Adams and Mr. Laurens not having 
yet arrived) refused to negociate until, by the conmiission of 
the person appointed to treat with them, they were acknow- 
ledged to be the representatives of an independent nation. 
Such a commission as they required was thereupon sent to 
3Ir. Oiswald. The ministers then entered upon a discussion 
of the terms which the treaty should contain. It was soon 
settled that the boundaries should include the territory which 
belonged to the several colonies before the commencement of 
hostilities ; and an additional tract at the north-west, the ex- 
tent of which was then unknown, was added. Greater diffi- 
culty was experienced in adjusting the claim of the United 
States to the right of fishing on the Banks of Newfoundland ; 
but it was at length agreed that they should have a common 
right to take fish on those banks, and at other places where 



TES UNITED STATES^ 277 

they had been acoustomed to fish, and liberty to dry them on 
the unsettled parts of the shores of Nova Scotia, Labrador, 
and the Magdalen Islands. 

The claims of Great Britain in behalf of the loyalists or re- 
fugees were not so easily disposed of. She insisted that they 
should be permitted to return, and not only to enjoy such pro- 
perty as had not been confiscated, but to recover all that had 
been, or be indemnified for the loss of it. The American en- 
voys replied that they had no authority to make such a stipu- 
lation ; that the acts of confiscation had been passed by the 
several states, and the congress had no power to annul them ; 
that neither justice nor humanity required that America should 
compensate those people, for they had been the principal cause 
of the war, and had been instrumental in aggravating its worst 
horrors ; and that, if Great Britain persisted in this demand, she 
would l3e required to pay for the property destroyed by her 
troops and adherents in America. But, Mr. Oswald continu- 
ing to press the claim with much pertinacity, the envoys of 
the United States, fearing that the negociation would other- 
wise be broken off, at length consented to articles stipulating 
that congress should earnestly recommend to the respective 
states to provide for the restitution of all confiscated estates ; 
that British subjects should have full liberty to visit any part 
of the United States ; might remain there twelve months ; 
should meet with no molestation in their endeavours to re- 
cover their estates, and all debts at any time previously con- 
tracted ; and that no future confiscations should be made. 

Great Britain still retaining territory near the sources of the 
Mississippi, it was agreed that her subjects should for ever 
have the right to navigate that river ; and in another article 
she engaged that, when her troops evacuated the country, 
they should carry away no negroes nor other property of the 
American inhabitants. 

On the 30th of November, 1782, provisional articles were 
signed, which were to form the basis of a definitive treaty, 
the conclusion of which was deferred until peace should take 
Pace between France, the ally of the United States, and 
Great Britain ; and, on the 20th of the succeeding January, a 
cessation of hostilities was agreed on. 

In the treaty of alliance between France and the United 
States, both parties agreed that neither should make peace 
without the formal consent of the other ; and the congress 
moreover instructed their envoys to undertake nothing in 
their negociations for peace without the knowledge and con- 
currence of the French minister. These instructions were 
given, at the suggestion of France, when the United States 
were supi)liants to her for aid in the war. In the progress of 
the negociation, facts came to the knowledge of the American 
envoys, which, if they did not prove, presented strong reasons 



278 fllSTOKT OF 

for suspicion, that she was endeavouring, by secrei intirlgues, 
to obtain for herself, to the exclusion of her ally, a participa- 
tion in the Newfoundland fisheries, and for Spain the territory 
west of the Alleghany Mountains. Mr. Jay and ]Mr. Adams 
then determined to proceed without consulting the French 
minister ; and Dr. Franklin, the only other envoy then pre- 
sent, at length consented. When informed by him that the 
provisional articles were agreed to, the French minister re- 
plied in indignant and reproachful language ; but happily the 
interests of his country forbade a rapture of the negociations 
between her and England. On the 3d of September, VtSS, a 
definitive treaty between these powers was signed; and, on 
the same day, a definitive treaty between England and the 
United States, containing the same stipulations as the pro- 
visional articles, was also signed. In due time, this treaty 
was ratified by the congress. 

While the negociations were pending, the American troops 
were retained in service, but remained unemployed at their 
various stations. They saw with pleasure the end of their 
toils approaching, but apprehended that their country, when 
she no longer needed their services, would forget with what zeal 
and fidelity they had been rendered. The officers, especially, 
dreaded that, after having, for want of pay, expended their 
private fortunes, and after having exhausted their strength in 
the i^erformance of arduous and protracted services, they 
should be dismissed in poverty, without any secure provision 
for their future support. 

In the course of the war, a resolution had been adopted by 
congress, stipulating that the officers, after being disbanded, 
should receive half pay for life. This resolution had never 
been ratified by the requisite number of states, and no safe re- 
liance could therefore be placed upon it. In December, 1 782, 
the officers forwarded to congress a petition praying that all 
arrears which were due to them might be discharged, and 
that, instead of half pay for life, a sum equal to five years full 
pay should be paid or secured to them when disbanded. • 

The delay of congress to comply with this request pro- 
duced an alarming agitation in that portion of the army sta- 
tioned at Xewburgh. An address to the officers was pri- 
vately circulated, written with great ability, and admirably 
well fitted to work upon those passions which recent suffer- 
ings and gloomy forebodings had excited in every bosom. 
The writer boldly recommended that, as all the applications 
to the sympathy and justice of congress had failed of success, 
an appeal should be made to their fears. 

Fortunately, the commander-in-chief was in camp Though 
conscious that the officers had just cause of complaint, he was 
aware that duty to his country, and even friendship for them, 
rei]uired that he should prevent the ado])tion of rash and dis- 



THE UNITED STATES. 279 

orderly expedients to obtain redress. Calling them together, 
he, by a calm and sensible address, persuaded them to rely 
still longer upon the disposition of congress to perform for 
tliem whatever the limited means of the nation would permit. 
He then, in a letter to that body, gave an account of these 
disturbances, and maintained and enforced the claims of the 
officers with such pathos and strength of reason as produced 
the adoption of measures which restored quiet, if they did not 
give satisfaction. 

At about the same time, the officers, remembering tlieir 
common sufferings and services, and contemplating their :^iial 
separation, formed a society which, with reference to the Ro- 
man hero Cincinnatus, who left the plough for the army, and 
returned victorious from the army to the plough, they called 
" The Society of the Cincinnati." A medal of gold, stamped 
with the American eagle, bearing on its breast the devices of 
the order, was to be worn by the members, suspended by a 
blue ribbon edged with white, descriptive of the union of 
America and France. By the articles of the association, the 
I'ight of membership was to descend to the eldest male pos- 
terity, and, in failure of them, to such collateral descendants 
as might be considered most worthy. Provision was made 
that other individuals, distinguished for their patriotism and 
abilities, might be elected honorary members for life ; that 
every officer, on joining it, should deposit one month's pay, to 
create a fund from which donations should be made to such 
officers and their families as might need assistance ; and that 
the members belonging to the respective states should consti- 
tute distinct subordinate societies, deputies from which should 
meet triennially to regulate concerns of general import ; arid 
the office of president was conferred on General Washington. 

In November, 1783, the patriot army was disbanded, and 
again mingled with their fellow-citizens. In the same month, 
New York was evacuated by the British troops. General 
Washington, taking an effectionate leave of his officers, re- 
paired to Annapolis, where congress was then sitting, and 
there, at a public audience, with dignity and sensibilitj'-, re- 
signed his commission as commander-in-chief of the American 
armies. Then, with a character illustrious throughout the 
world, he returned to his residence at Mount Vernon, posses- 
sing the sincere love and profound veneration of his country- 
men. 



280 mSTORY OF 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



THE CONFEDERATIOK, AND THE ADOPTION 
OF THE CONSTITUTION. 

The exultation at the achievement of independence, and the 
joy at the return of peace, began to subside as soon as the 
people had leisure to reflect upon their situation, and to feel 
the evils which remained after the greater evil of war had 
been removed. For seven years, a large portion of the inha- 
bitants had been called from the labours of the field to the 
defence of their country ; and all the surplus earnings of those 
who remained at home had been required for the support of 
war. Some had been reduced from riches to poverty by the 
depreciation and final extinction of paper money ; others suf- 
fered all the evils of want while they held evidences of the 
debt of the confederation, of which they could obtain neither 
the principal nor interest. The whole amount of this debt, 
foreign and domestic, was estimated at forty-two millions of 
dollars ; and each state owed, besides, a large debt of its own. 

The commerce of the country had been almost annihilated 
during the war ; and the people possessed not the means of 
reviving it. They owned but few ships ; they had but little 
to offer in exchange for the productions of Europe ; their trade 
with most other nations was burdened with restrictions such 
as those nations thought proper to impose, they declining to 
form treaties with a government possessing such limited 
powers as the congress. These powers did not embrace the 
regulation of commerce ; each state, considering itself a sepa- 
rate and independent sovereignty, imposed such duties and 
restrictions upon the trade between itself and foreign nations 
and the other states as its interests for the moment seemed to 
require. Commerce, therefore, with nothing to facilitate and 
much to impede it, languished ; and, for the want of its vivify- 
ing infiuence, all the energies of the country were dormant. 

The public creditors were clamorous for pay ; but the con- 
gress possessed not the means, nor the power to obtain the 
means, to discharge its debts. It could collect no duties from 
commerce, nor impose taxes ; it could do no more than make 
requisitions upon the states, which it often did ; but they were 
seldom regarded. So low had its credit fallen, that the evi- 
dences of its debt were often sold, by the necessitous, for one 
eighth of their nominal value. The patriots in congress did 
not deserve, but they felt, the reproach of credit destroyed 
and energies paralyzed. Their requisitions having been dis- 
regarded, they appealed, in earnest terms, to the states to 
grant them the power to raise money to pay the principal and 



THE UNITED STATES. 281 

interest of the debt by imposing duties on imports. New York 
alone refused ; but her single negative defeated the project. 

The people, not receiving all the benefits they expected from 
independence and liberty, became discontented, jealous, and 
in some parts refractory. Their jealousy was highly excited 
by the Society of the Cincinnati. Its ribbon and its hereditary 
feature gave rise to the suspicion that the object of its founders 
was to establish an order of nobility ; and the provision that 
men of talents and patriotism, who had not been officers, 
might be elected honourary members for life, led to the appre- 
hension that the society intended to strengthen itself by 
uniting with it the principal men in the several states, and thus 
render it too powerful to be resisted. At the suggestion of 
General Washington, most of the state societies altered the 
articles of the association by expunging the hereditary prin- 
ciple, and the right to elect ^honorary members ; and the peo- 
ple then dismissed their fears. 

By the treaty of peace, the Mississippi was declared to be 
the western, and the thirty-first degree of north latitude the 
southern, boundary of the republic. Spain possessed the 
country south of that degree, and of course both banks of the 
Mississippi, at its mouth. She claimed therefore the right to 
prohibit, and did prohibit, the citizens of the Union frem tran- 
sporting their products upon that river to the ocean. The set- 
tlers west of the Alleghany Mountains, then rapidly increasing 
in numbers, complained loudlj'^ of the deprivation which they 
suffered, and indignantly censured congress for not obtaining 
for them the privilege withheld. A negociation was opened 
with Gardoqui, the Spanish minister to the States ; but he re- 
fused to yield what was claimed. 

Before the war, a free trade was allowed between the colo- 
nies and the British West Indies. The former having now 
become a distinct nation. Great Britain no longer permitted 
them to enjoy this privilege, and this commerce was carried 
on wholly in British ships. This kept alive the animosity be- 
tween the two nations, and other causes contributed to m- 
crease it. The British refused to surrender certain posts on 
the western lakes, and within the acknowledged boundaries of 
the republic, the retention of which enabled them to control 
the western Indians, and keep possession of the fur trade ; 
alleging, in justification, that the United States, on their part, 
had neglected to perform some of the stipulations contained 
in the treaty of peace. To adjust all matters in dispute, and 
to form a commercial treaty, John Adams was sent as minister 
to England ; but so little power had congress to bind the 
States, that he failed to accomplish any thing. 

In January, 1786, the legislature of Virginia, at the sug- 
gestion of Mr. Madison, appointed commissioners to meet, at 
Annapolis, in Maryland, such commissioners as might be ap- 



282 HISTORY OF 

pointed by the other states, to take iiito consideration the 
trade of the couutr}"^, and recommend a uniform system of com- 
mercial regulations. The meeting was held in September ; 
but five states only were represented. After discussion, they 
came to the conclusion that their number was too small, and 
their power too limited, to enable them to effect their object. 
Previous to their adjournment, however, they agreed on a re- 
port, in which they recommended that delegates should be ap- 
pointed, by the several legislatures, to meet at Philadelphia, in 
the ensuing May, empowered to revise and amend the articles 
of confederation, wherever found defective. This report was 
sent to the congress, as well as to the several state legisla- 
tures. 

The stagnation of trade was most sensibly felt in New Eng- 
land. There a very large portion of the people were depen- 
dent on their own labour for support ; and the discouragement 
of domestic industry produced among them extreme distress. 
In Massachusetts, it urged to insurrection a portion of the in- 
habitants. Near the close of the year, they assembled, to the 
number of two thousand, in the north-western part of the 
state ; and, choosing Daniel Shays their leader, demanded that 
the collection of debts should be suspended, and that the legis- 
lature should authorize the emission of paper money for gene- 
ral circulation. Two bodies of militia, drawn from those 
parts of the state where disaftection did not prevail, were im- 
mediately despatched against them, one under the command 
of General Lincoln, the other of General Shepard. They were 
easily dispersed ; and afterwards, abandoning their seditious 
purposes, accepted the protfered indemnity of the government. 

But, though easily quelled, this rebellion startled the coun- 
try, and convinced the active patriots of that day that effi- 
cient measures must be adopted to strengthen the government, 
and call forth the resources of the nation. In pursuance of 
the suggestion of the meeting at Annapolis, congress, in Feb- 
ruary, 1787, adopted a resolution recommending that a con- 
vention to revise the articles of confederation should be held 
at Philadelphia ; and all the states, except Rhode Island, chose 
delegates. On the 14th day of jNIay, the convention met: 
General "SVashington Mas unanimously chosen president ; and 
thjs body of venerable and illustrious statesmen proceeded 
to perform its important duty. 

They deliberated with closed doors ; but their journal and 
a j.ortion of their debates have been published. After a few 
weeks' discussion, they determined that, instead of revising 
the articles of confederation, they would frame an entirely 
new constitution. The various interests and pursuits of the 
several portions of the confederacy occasioned difficulties 
which prolonged their labours, and, tor a time, rendered agree- 
ment almost hopeless. The planting states of the south, and 



THE UNITED STATES. 283 

the commercial states of the uorth, each feared that the otlier 
would obtain the preponderancy iu the new government. The 
large were unwilling that the small states should enjoy, as 
they did by the articles of confederation, the same weight in 
the legislature ; and the latter were unwilling to relinquish 
their equality. The subject of slavery often forced itself upon 
their consideration, and aroused feelings not easily recon- 
ciled nor restrained. 

But the necessity of u more perfect union, and of a stronger 
goveniment, which every one felt, impelled all to yield some- 
thing; and, after a session of four months, they agreed upon 
a constitution, which was reported to congress, and by that 
body submitted for ratification to conventions chosen by the 
people of the respective states. 

This constitution, under wliich the citizens of this republic 
have enjoyed such unexampled happiness and prosperity, dif- 
fers, in many particulars, from the articles of confederation. 
It connects the states more closely together, by establishing 
over the whole people a supreme government, composed of 
three departments — legislative, executive, and judicial. 

The legislative department consists of a senate and house 
of representatives, and is styled the congress. The members 
of the house are chosen by the people, and hold their offices 
two years. They are ai)portioned among the several states, 
according to the number of inhabitants, as ascertained every 
tenth year by the census, deducting two fifths of the slaves. 

The senators are the representatives of the states, in their 
sovereign capacity, and are chosen by the states legislatures, 
each choosing two. The constitution ordained that, on as- 
sembling at the first session, they should be divided, as 
equally as possibly, into three classes. Those composing the 
first class were to hold their offices but two years; those 
composing the third, six years. All subsec^uently chosen were 
to hold their offices six years, except such as should be chosen 
to supply the places of those who died or resigned. Besides 
their legislative power, they have, in concurrence with the 
executive, a voice in all appointments to office, and in the ra- 
tification of treaties. 

The executive power is vested in a president, appointed by 
electors. These electors are chosen in the respective states, 
in such manner as the different legislatures may prescribe, 
and are equal in number to the senators and representatives 
from the state in congress. If, however, no person receives a 
majority of the votes of those electors, the president is then 
chosen by the representatives, those from each state having 
but one vote. He is elected for four years ; but he may be 
impeached ly the house, tried by the senate, and, if convicted 
of misconduct, may be removed from office. He is command- 
01 -in-chief of the naval forces. He nominates to the senate 



284 HISTORY OF 

all officers of the general government, and, with the advice 
and consent of two thirds of that body, ratifies treaties. A 
vice-president is chosen at the same time, and in the same 
manner, to perform all the duties of president when that office 
is vacant by death, resignation, or removal. 

To pass a law, the house and senate must concur; and it 
is then to be sent to the president, who must approve it. If 
he does not approve it, he must return it with his objections ; 
and it must then be agreed to by two-thirds of both branches. 
Laws thus enacted are obligatory upon the citizens indivi- 
dually, and may be executed by officers appointed by the pre- 
sident and senate. Under the confederation, the ordinances 
of congress operated only upon the states, and no efficient 
mode was provided for enforcing them. 

The constitution confers on congress the power to declare 
war ; to raise and support armies ; to provide and maintain a 
navy; to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises; 
to regulate commerce ; to coin money ; and all other powers 
of a general or national character. It diminishes in no re- 
spect the liberty of the citizen, but transfers a portion of the 
powers, previously exercised by the state governments, to 
the government of the Union. 

The judicial power of the United States is vested in a su- 
preme court, and such inferior courts as the congress may es- 
tablish ; and it extends to all cases arising under the consti- 
tution, the laws of congress, and treaties ; to all cases of ad- 
miralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to all controversies be- 
tween citizens of different states, and between foreigners and 
citizens : the judges hold their offices during good behaviour. 

Although, from regard to consistency, and in the hope, pro- 
bably, that, at no distant time, slavery would cease to exist, 
the use of the word slave is cautiously avoided in the consti- 
tution ; yet several of its provisions have reference to that 
class of persons. It provides that three fifths of their number 
shall be counted in apportioning representatives and direct 
taxes ; that congress shall not prohibit their importation until 
the year 1808, nor impose upon them, when imported, a 
higher duty than ten dollars for each person ; and that a slave 
escaping from one state into another shall not be set free, but 
shall be delivered up. 

The new constitution found opposers as well as advocates ; 
and both were equally zealous. The former, ardently at- 
tached to liberty, imagined that rulers possessing such exten- 
sive sway, such abundant patronage, and such independent 
tenure of office, would become fond of the exercise of power, 
and, in the end, arrogant and tyrannical ; and many, believ- 
ing that their local governments were the surest safeguards 
of liberty, complained that, in the partition of power, too lit- 
tle was left to them, and too much granted to this new, or, as 



THE UNITED STATES. 285 

they affected to consider it, foreign government, which was 
to be established. The latter, professing and feeling the same 
attachment to liberty, contended that, to preserve it, an ener- 
getic government was necessary. They described, in forcible 
and convincing terms, the evils actually endured from the in- 
efficiency of tlie confederation, and demanded that a trial, at 
least, should be made of the remedy proposed. These took 
the name of federalists, to denote that they were in favour of 
a union of the states ; the appellation of anti-federalists was 
given to their antagonists. 

In the conventions of eleven states, a majority, though in 
some instances a small one, decided in favour of its ratifica- 
tion. Provision was then made for the election of the officers 
to compose the executive and legislative departments. To 
the highest station, the electors, by a unanimous vote, elected 
George Washington, illustrious for his virtues and military 
talents. To the second, that of vice-president, by a vote 
nearly unanimous, they elevated John Adams, who, in sta- 
tions less conspicuous, had, with equal patriotism, rendered 
important services to his country. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Tiie 4th of ^larch, 1789, was the day designated for the new 
government to commence its operations. The delays inci- 
dent to its first organization prevented the inauguration of 
President Washington until the 30th of April. The ceremony 
was witnessed, with inexpressible joy, by an immense con- 
course of citizens. In an impressive address to both houses 
of congress, he declared, with characteristic modesty, his 
"incapacity for the mighty and untried cares before him," 
and oHered his "fervent supplications to that Almighty 
Being, whose providential aid can supply every human de- 
fect, that his benediction would consecrate to the liberties 
and happiness of the people of the United States a govern- 
ment instituted by themselves for these essential purposes; 
and would enable every instrument employed in its adminis- 
tration to execute with success the functions allotted to his 
charge."' 

He also expressed his firm conviction, "that the foundation 
of our national policy would be laid in the pure and immutable 
principles of private morality; and that the pre-eminence of a 
free government would be exemplified by all the attributes 
which can \fin the affiictions of its citizens, and command the 
respect of the world 



286 HISTORY OF 

" I dwell," sftid lie, " on this prospect with every satis- 
faction which an ardent love for my country can inspire ; since 
there is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there 
exists, in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble 
union between virtue and happiness ; between duty and ad- 
vantage ; bet^veen the genuine maxims of an honest and mag- 
nanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperit}' 
and felicit)^ ; and since the destiny of the republican model of 
government is justly considered as deeply, perhaps as 
FINALLY, staked on the experiment intrusted to the American 
people." 

To establish a revenue sufficient for the support of the 
government, and for the discharge of the debt contracted in 
the revolutionary war, was the lirst object of congress. But 
this was not effected until after considerable discussion arising 
from imagined differences of local interests, and from feelings 
of national attachment and antipathy. It Avas proposed to 
lay specitic duties, or duties according to the tpiantity, on cer- 
tain enumerated articles, and on all others an nd valorem duty, 
or a duty on the actual value. A tax was also proposed on 
the tonnage of vessels, higher on foreign than American ; and 
the plan embraced also a discrimination in favour of such 
foreign nations as had made commercial treaties with the 
United States. 

By members coming from parts of the Union not directly 
interested in commerce, the discrimiuation in favour of Ameri- 
can tonnage was resisted as a tax on agriculture, and a pre- 
mium granted to navigation. To these objections Mr. Madi- 
son, a statesman more free than most from local feelings and 
prejudices, replied that it was important that America should 
have ships to carry on her own commerce, to form a school 
for seamen, and to lay the foundation of a navy. He did not 
think there was much weight in the observation that a duty 
on foreign vessels would be a burden on the communit)', and 
particularly oppressive to some parts. If it were, it would 
be a burden of that kind which would ultimately save us from 
a greater. What but a navy can defend our towns and cities 
on the sea- coast, or enable us to repel an invading enemy? 
The parts, if any, on which the Inirden would press most 
heavily, are those most exposed to a predatory warfare, and 
recjuiring the greatest exertions of the nation for their defence. 

The diverse interests of the various parts of the Union occa- 
sioned considerable difficulty in adjusting the specific duties 
on particular articles ; but the proposition to make a discrimi- 
nation in favour of those nations with whom the United States 
had formed commercial treaties gave rise to a more animated 
discussion. It was supported by Mr. INIadison and others on 
the ground that public sentiment demanded that foreign na- 
tions generall}'- should not be placed on the same footing as 



THE UNITED STATES. 287 

the allies of the United States, and that it was wise to impose 
restrictions upon the commerce of those nations that had not 
formed commercial treaties with us ; for in this way they 
might he induced to do so. It was opposed by Mr. Benson, 
Mr. Sherman, and others, for the reasons, that no particular 
advantages had been derived from the commercial treaties 
already formed ; that the trade with Great Britain was more 
profitable than it was, or could be made, with France ; that 
such discrimination must be injurious to our commerce, driving 
it into unnatural channels, and must diminish our revenue, 
which could not be sufficient to justify such a hazardous ex- 
periment; and that trade, if left to itself, would seek and find 
the channels most profitable to those concerned in it and to 
the whole country. 

As the bill passed the house, it made a discrimination in 
favour of American tonnage, and also in favour of those nations 
which had formed commercial treaties with the United States. 
To the latter discrimination the senate disagreed, and the 
point was eventually, but reluctant!}'-, yielded by the house. 
Thus provision was made for drawing into the national trea- 
sury funds which had before been collected and appropriated 
by the states on the sea-coast. 

Laws creating a department of state, then called the de- 
partment of foreign affairs, of the treasury, and of war, were 
then proposed and enacted. "When the first was under consi- 
deration, a question of surpassing importance was discussed 
and decided. The constitution gives the appointment of offi- 
cers to the president and senate, but is silent on the power of 
removal. This bill contained a clause which declared or im- 
])lied that the president alone possessed and might exercise 
that power. Many strenuously denied this, contending that, 
as the power had not been expressly granted, except in case 
of impeachment, it could be exercised, if at all in any other 
case, only by the same authority that made appointments ; 
that it was inconsistent with the principles of free govern- 
ment to give, by construction, such a dangerous power to any 
individual ; that it was a monarchical prerogative, was liable 
to great abuses, would render officers entirely dependent upon 
the whim or caprice of one man, and convert them into mere 
tools and creatures of his will ; that it could not be supposed 
that the office of president would always be filled by men as 
virtuous as he who now filled it — and by an ambitious man 
ihe power might and would be wielded in a manner highly 
dangerous to liberty. 

Those who believed that the president did possess, and 
ought to possess, the power of removal, replied that, hy the 
constitution, the executivo power was vested in the president, 
and no power was, in its nature, more clearly executive than 
this ; that the president was '"xpressly required to take care 



288 HISTORY OF 

that the laws were faithfully executed ; — and ho"W could he 
perform this duty unless authorized to remove an officer who 
should disobey his orders ? — that the danger apprehended was 
a mere figment of the imagination, for it would not be sup- 
posed that the people would choose for their chief magistrate 
a man who would be guilty of removing a meritorious officer 
for the purpose of appointing a favourite in his stead : such an 
act, it was alleged, would subject him to impeachment and 
removal from his own high trust. 

After a long and able debate, the bill containing the impor- 
tant clause was passed, by a majority, in the senate, of two, 
and, in the house, of twelve. Nothing so closely assimilates 
our government to the monarchies of Europe as the construc- 
tion, doubtful at least, thus given to the constitution. Thomas 
Jefferson was appointed secretary of the department of state, 
Alexander Hamilton of the treasury, and Henry Knox of war. 

In the same session, a national judiciary was constituted 
and organized, John Jay being appointed chief justice ; a re- 
solve was passed directing the secretary of the treasury to 
prepare a plan for the support of public credit ; and amend- 
ments to the constitution were proposed, which were subse- 
quently ratified by the states, and which, removing many of 
the objections made to it, rendered it acceptable to all. 

After the adjournment of congress, the president made a 
tour through New England, where he was received by the in- 
habitants with an aftection bordering on adoration. People of 
all classes crowded to behold the man whose virtues and 
talents exalted him, in their view, above the heroes of ancient 
and modern times ; and to present to him the undissembled 
homage of their grateful hearts. But to none did his visit give 
more exquisite pleasure than to the officers and soldiers of the 
*' patriot army," who had been his companions in suffering 
and in victory, who were endeared to liim by their bravery 
and fidelity in war, and by the magnanimity with which, in 
peace, they endured unmerited neglect and povert3\ 

At the next session of congress, which commenced in 
January, 1700, ]Mr. Hamilton made his celebrated report upon 
the public debts contracted during the revolutionary war. 
These debts he divided into three classes — those contracted 
by congress to foreigners; those contracted by the same body 
to American citizens ; and those incurred by the individual 
states in support of the common cause. Taking into view the 
sacred nature of these debts, and the policy of sustaining 
public credit, he recommended that all of them should be 
assumed and funded by the new government ; and that pro- 
vision should be made for paying the interest by imposing 
taxes on certain articles of luxury, and on spirits distilled 
within the country. This recommendation was supported by 
many and able arguments. 



THE UNITED STATES. 289 

When this report caiue under consideration in the house of 
representatives, no objection was made to the assumption of 
the debts contracted b}^' congress to foreigners, amounting, 
according to the estimate, to about twelve millions of dol- 
lars. The assumption of the other classes of debts was op- 
posed by the party who had seen, or thought they had seen, 
in the constitution, many features hostile to freedom. They 
now expressed their fears that this measure would render the 
government still stronger, by drawing around it a numerous 
and powerful body of public creditors, who, in all its con- 
tests with the states or the people,', would be bound, by the 
strongest of all ties, — that of interest, — to support it, whether 
right or wrong. This party, existing principally in the Southern 
States, and professing an ardent attachment to the equal 
rights of man, took the name of republican. 

It has already been stated that the evidences of the public 
debt had often been sold, by the necessitous, for much less 
than their nominal amount. They had been purchased prin- 
cipally by the rich and intelligent ; and a large proportion was 
held in the Middle and Northern States. The question had 
been much discussed among the people, whether the present 
holder should receive the full amount, or whether a discrimina- 
tion should be made, giving to him the current market value, 
and the remainder to the original holder. A proposition to 
make this discrimination was brought forward in congress, by 
Mr. INIadison; but, after considerable debate, was rejected by 
a large majority. 

More were opposed to the assumption of the debts of the 
several states than of those contracted by the confederation. 
They contended that no power to assume them was given by 
the constitution ; they apprehended danger from transferring 
the obligation from the states to the general government, be- 
lieving that the effect would be to weaken the former and 
strengthen the latter, already too strong, by attaching to it all 
the public creditors ; and they feared that the consolidated 
debt would be too burdensome for one government to sustain. 
On the other side, it was alleged that, as the debts were con- 
tracted in a common cause, and to effect an object which the 
congress was instituted to effect, they were, in fact, the debts 
of the Union; that it was unjust to leave those states, which 
had exhibited most zeal, and made the greatest efforts, to 
bear burdens assumed for a purpose equally beneficial to all ; 
and that, as the states had transferred to congress tlm com- 
mand of the principal sources of revenue, it wa^ but just 
that the debts should follow the funds out of which they must 
be paid. After a long and earnest discussion, the house, by a 
small majority, refused to assume those debts ; the bill which 

N 



290 HISTORY OF 

was sent to the senate providing for the assumption of such 
only as had been incurred by the confederation. 

Afterwards thi«^ national measure Mas connected, as is too 
frequently the case in log:islative bodies, Avith one which had 
excited much local feeling. Since the congress had been 
driven from Philadelphia, in 17S3, by the mutiny of a part of 
the Pennsylvania line, it had usually held its sessions in New 
York. Sevej-al attempts had been made, by the members 
from the Middle and Southern States, to establish the seat of 
government farther soutli. A majority readily agreed to leave 
Xew York ; but the same inajority disagreed wheneN er any 
particular place was proposed. Hvhile the assumption bill 
lay upon the table of the senate, an aiTangemeut was en- 
tered into by the majority, that the seat of government should 
be established, for ten years, at Philadelphia, and afterwards 
permanently at a place to be selected on the River Potomac ; 
and it was understood that, should this arrangement be carried 
into effect, some southern members would withdraw their op- 
position to the assumption of the debts of the states. A law 
establishing the seat of government was accordingly enacted. 
The bill on the table of the senate was then taken up ; an 
amendment was adopted, assuming specific amounts of those 
debts, being in the aggregate twenty-one millions and a half; 
in this shape the bill was passed by that body, and sent to 
the house, where the amendment was agreed to, two members 
representing districts on the Potomac changing their votes. 
The whole sum iunded amounted to a little more than seventy- 
li\e millions of dollars ; upon a part of which three per cent., 
and upon the remainder six per cent, interest was to be paid. 

The effect of this measure was great and rapid. The price 
of tlie public paper, which had fallen to twelve ortifteen cents 
on the dollar, suddenly rose to the sum expressed on the face 
of it. This difference was gained, in most instances, by pur- 
chasers of the securities, who, feeling indebted, for this im- 
mense accession of wealth, to the plans of the secretary, i-e-. 
garded him with enthusiastic attachment. But in others, this 
Avealth, suddenly acquired without merit, excited envy and 
dissatisfaction. Those joined the republican party ; who, 
fancying they were witnessing the fulfilment of their predic- 
tion, became more active in their opposition. 

The recommendation of the secretary to impose additional 
duties, was not acted upon until the next session of congress. 
Those on distilled spirits Avere proposed in order to render the 
burdens of the inhabitants beyond the Alleghany Mountains, 
where no other spritsi were consumed, equal to those of the 
inhabitants on the sea-coast, who consumed most of the ar- 
ticles on which an import duty was paid. The measure was 
Avarmly opposed by the soutliern and western members. That 
an increase of the revenue was not shown to be necessary- 



THE UNITED STATES. 291 

that the duty on distilled spirits was an excise duty, the uiost 
odious of any in free governments ; that the people would 
be dissatified with this intrusion of a foreign go\ ernment into 
local affairs ; and that it more revenue was wanted, a better 
mode of raising it could be devised, — were the arguments 
urged against it. But a con sidera Vile majority believed that 
the revenue already provided was not sufficient to enable the 
government to support the credit of the nation by fulfilling its 
obligations, and saw nothing oppressive nor unjust in the 
duties recommended ; and, in the beginning of 1791, an act im- 
posing them was passed. 

The secretary of the treasury had also recommended the in- 
corporation of a national bank, as " an institution of primary 
importance to the prosperous administration of the finances, 
and of the greatest utility in tlie operations connected with the 
support of public credit ;" and a bill for that puri)ose was intro- 
duced at this session. It met Avith strong opposition, especi- 
ally from members coming from the jjlanting and agricultural 
states of the south and west. They expressed fears that a large 
moneyed institution would be so conducted as to be injurious 
to the community, and denied that congress had power to 
create a corporation, the constitution not expressly granting 
it. They were answered by the remark that, wherever banks 
had been established, under }n'oper regulations, they had pro- 
duced beneficial effects; and that each of the powers expressly 
given to regulate commei'ce, to collect taxes, to borrow 
money, and to pay debts, included, as an incident, the power 
to incorporate a bank, that being one of the means often em- 
ployed to effect those objects, as clearly as the power to re- 
gulate commerce included, as an incident, that to erect liglit- 
houses. 

At the close of a long debate, in whicli the speakers on both 
sides sustained and enforced their respective opinions Avith 
great ability, the bill was passed by both houses. The pre- 
sident having, before approving it, required the opinion, in 
writing, of the members of his cabinet, Mr. Jefferson and Mr. 
Randolph, both republicans, denied, Mr. Hamilton and General 
Knox, both federalists, asserted its constitutionality. After 
considering deliberately the arguments laid beibre him, he 
decided that congress had tiie power to pass it, and affixed his 
signature. The funding of the debts, the imposition of new 
taxes, and the incorporation of a national bank, were mea- 
sures recommended by IMr. Hamilton, Avho was considered 
the leader of the federal party: the republicans condemned 
them, and, by appealing to the reason as well as to tiie pre- 
judices of the people, induced many to believe that they were 
not only calculated, but intended, to fasten upon the country 
the evils, and transfer to it the aristocratical features, of the 
British system of goverement. 



292 HISTORY OF 

When the new government was first organized, but eleven 
states had ratified the constitution. Afterwards, North Caro- 
lina and Rhode Island, the two dissenting states, adopted it; 
the former in November, 17S9, the latter in May, 1790. In 
1791, Vermont adopted it, and applied to congress to be ad- 
mitted into the Union. The territory of this state, situated 
between New Hampshire and New York, was claimed by 
both, and both had made grants of land within its limits. In 
1777, the inhabitants, refusing to submit to either, declared 
themselves independent. Although not represented in the 
Continental congress, yet, during the war, they embraced the 
cause of their brethren in the other states ; and to them their 
aid was often rendered, and was always efficient. Agreeably 
to their request, an act was now passed, constituting Vermont 
one of the members of the Union. An act was also passed, 
declaring that the district of Kentucky, then a part of Vir- 
ginia, should be admitted into the Union on the 1st day of 
June, in the succeeding year. 

In 1791 was completed the first census or enumeration of 
the inhabitants of the United States. They amounted to 
3,921,326, of which number 695,655 were slaves. The re- 
venue, according to the report of the secretary of the treasuiy, 
amounted to 4,771,000 dollars, the exports to about 19,000,000, 
and the imports to about 20,000,000. A great improvement 
in the circumstances of the people began at tliis period to be 
visible. The establishment of a firm and regular government, 
and confidence in the men whom they had chosen to adminis- 
ter it, gave an impulse to their exertions which bore them 
rapidly forward in the career of prosperity. 

In 1790, a termination was put to the war which for 
several years, had raged between the Creek Indians and the 
state of Georgia. Pacific overtures were also made to the 
hostile tribes inhabiting the banks of the Sciota and the Wa- 
bash. These being rejected, an army of fourteen hundred men, 
commanded by General Harmer, was despatched against 
them. Two battles were fought near Chillicothe, in Ohio, 
between successive detachments from this army and the In- 
dians, in which the latter were victorious. 

Emboldened by these successes, they made more vigorous 
attacks upon the frontier settlements, Miiich suffered all the 
distressing calamities of an Indian war. Additional troops 
were raised, and the command of the whole was given to 
General St. Clair. With near t^vo thousand men, he marched, 
in October, into the wilderness. By desertion and detach- 
ments, this force was reduced to fourteen hundred. C)n the 
3d of November, they encamped a few miles from the villages 
on the Miami, intending to remain there until joined by those 
who were absent. 

But before sujirise, the next mQming; just after the troops 



THE UNITED STATES. 293 

were dismissed from the parade, they were attacked tinex- 
pectedly by the Indians. The new levies, who were in front, 
rushed back in confusion upon the regulars. These, who had 
been hastily formed, were thrown into disorder. They, how- 
ever, with^reat intrepidity, advanced into the midst of the 
enemy, who retired from covert to covert, keeping always be- 
yond reach, and again returning as soon as the troops were 
recalled from pursuit. In these charges many brave and ex- 
perienced officers were killed ; the loss of men was also great, 
and no permanent impression was made upon the enemy. 

At length, after a contest of three or four hours, St. Clair, 
Avhose ill health disabled him from performing the active 
duties of commander, determined to withdraw from the field 
the remnant of his troops. The instant that the directions to 
retire were given, a disorderly flight commenced. Fortunately 
for the survivors, the victorious Indians were soon recalled 
from pursuit to the camp, by their avidity for plunder; and 
the vanquished continued their retreat unmolested to the 
frontier settlements. 

In this battle, the numbers engaged on each side were sup- 
posed to be equal. Of the whites, the slaughter was almost 
beyond example. Six hundred and thirty were killed and 
missing, and two hundred and sixty were wounded, — a loss 
which proves at once the obstinacy of the defence and the 
bravery of the assailants. On receiving information of this 
disaster, congress, resolving to prosecute the war with in- 
creased vigour, made provision for augmenting, by enlistment, 
the military force of the nation to five thousand men. 

In the autumn of 1792, General Washington was again 
unanimously elected president of the American republic, and 
in March, 1793, was inducted into office. For vice-president, 
the principal candidates were the incumbent, John Adams, 
and George Clinton, of New York. The former was charged 
with being friendly to distinct orders in society, and was 
believed to be in favour of the system of finance which had 
been adopted. The latter had been governor of New York 
during the revolutionary war, and had discharged the duties 
of that office witli courage and energy, fie stood high 
among that class of politicians who contended for the supre- 
macy of the states, and had opposed with zeal the adoption 
of the constitution. His sentiments in regard to recent mea- 
sures were known to be the same with those of the minority 
iu congress. Mr. Adams received seventy-seven votes, and 
was elected. Mr. Clinton received fifty, Mr. Jefferson four, 
and Mr. Burr one. 

While the Americans, under a government of their own 
choice, were enjoying, with but little alloy, the blessings of 
independence and freedom, the peo])le of France, by whose 
aid these blessings had been acquired, were experiencing all 



^94 HISTORY OF 

the miseries of anarchy. Grievously oppressed by institutions 
originating in times of ignorance and barbarism, they had 
risen in the majesty of physical strength, and declared their 
determination to be free. Against a v/liole peojile, aroused by 
their sufferings to demand their rights, what effectual resist- 
ance can be opposed? . Before their energetic exertions 
prompted by enthusiasm and directed by fatal skill, their 
ancient government crumbled to the dust. 

Passing at once from abject slavery to entire liberty, their 
conduct was marked by the most shocking excesses. The 
mild virtues of their king, alleviating but slightly the evils of 
despotism, could not save him from that resentment which 
consigned to indiscriminate destruction the hereditary orders. 
Himself, his cjueen, fftid many thousands of the nobility and 
clergy suffered death on the scaffold. A new government was 
instituted, having for its fundamental principle the universal 
e(pjality of man. Its forui was often changed, and the reins 
of authority were successively, but unsteadily, held by the 
temporary favourites of an unenlightened and capricious 
people. 

The Americans could not regard with indifference this strug- 
gle of their allies for freedom. They considered their excesses 
as the first etfects of sudden relief from oppression, and hoped 
that experience would produce sobriet}'' ot conduct and rever- 
ence for law. They hailed the French revolution as the off- 
spring of their own, and clieririhed the flattering expectation 
that, by the diffusion of the jmnciples of liberty, the whole 
civilized world would become partakers of its blessings. 

The French people, at the same time, regarded the Ameri- 
cans as their brethren, bound to them by the ties of gratitude; 
and when the kings of Europe, dreading the establishment of 
republicanism in her borders, assembled in arms to restore 
monarchy to France, thej'- looked across the Atlantic for sym- 
pathy and asf-'istance. The sympathy felt for them was almost 
universal ; and not a few evinced a disposition to rush to their 
assistance. In some of the seaports, preparations were in pro- 
gress to send out privateers to prey upon the commerce of 
their enemies. Washington foresaw that, if such proceedings, 
forbidden by the laws of nations, were permitted, America 
would be irresistibly drawn into the vortex of foreign politics 
and a foreign war. He therefore, in April 1 793, issued his- 
famous proclamation of neutralit}'", declaring that it was the 
duty of the United States to pursue an impartial and friendly 
conduct towards the belligerent powers, and warning the citi- 
zens to avoid all acts inconsistent with that duty. Wise and 
expedient as this measure undoubtedly was, yet a vast ma- 
jority felt it as an unwelcome check to the indulgence of their 
sympathy for a people struggling in the same cause in which 
they had just been successful ; and some, blinded by their de- 



THE UNITED STATES. 295 

votion to France, began to feel less attachment to its author 
Before the date of the proclamation, the new government of 
France had recalled the minister whom the king had sent to 
the United States, and appointed the citizen Genet, of ardent 
temper and a zealous republican, to supply his place. Near 
the last of April, he arrived at Charleston, in South Carolina, 
where he was received by the governor and the citizens in a 
manner expressive of their warm attachment to his country 
and their cordial approbation of the recent cliange in her in- 
stitutions. 

Flattered by his reception, and presuming the whole peo- 
ple and the government were actuated by similar feelings, he 
assumed the authority of expediting privateers from that port 
to cruise against the vessels of nations who were enemies to 
France, but at peace with the United States. Notwithstand- 
ing this illegal assumption of power, he received, on hisjourney 
to Philadelphia, extravagant marks of public attachment; and, 
on his arrival there, '*' crowds flocked trom every avenue of the 
city to meet the republican ambassador of an allied nation." 
Intoxicated by these continued and increased demonstrations 
of regard, he persisted in forming and executing hostile 
schemes against the enemies of France, as well on the ocean 
as against the colonies of Spain upon our southern border. 

The British minister complained to the president, who, by 
the unanimous advice of his cabinet, directed Mr. Jefferson, 
the secretary of state, to lay before the minister of France the 
principles which would regulate the conduct of the executive 
in relation to the powers at war. These principles forbade 
the course which Mr. Genet had pursued. Relying on the 
popularity of his nation, he attempted, by insolent and offen- 
sive declarations, to drive the president from the ground he 
had taken He threatened to appeal from the government to 
the people — a measure which other agents of the French re- 
public had adopted with success in Europe. Here the result 
was different. The people rallied around rulers having the 
same interest as themselves. The minister was abandoned by 
most of his friends : his government, at the request of the pre- 
sident, annulled his powers ; and, unwilling to return, he re- 
mained in the country, a striking example of the imbecility of 
a factious individual among a people confiding in their rulers, 
and contented with their lot. 

This conduct of IMr. Genet, the atrocities committed by the 
French people, and the dreaded danger of their example, alie- 
nated from them many of the citizens of the United States, 
especially those belonging to the federal party. And as the 
world was then agitated by the mighty contest between France 
and Great Britain, — a contest which permitted not neutrality 
of feeling, — those who became hostile to the former became 
naturally the friends of tho latter. To lier they Avere besides 



296 HISTORY OP 

attracted by identity of origin, by resemblance of institutions, 
by similarity of language, by community of laws, of literature, 
and of religion. 

The republicans retained an affection for the French but 
little, if at all, diminished. They still looked forward to their 
ultimate success. Surrendering their judgment to their feel- 
ings, they indulged hope against the dictates of reason. In 
discussing foreign politics, each party became embittered 
against the other. The republicans charged the federalists 
with hostility to free principles and attachment to England ; 
the federalists charged the republicans with contempt of law 
and order, and witli blind attachment, and even subserviency, 
to France. Over both, Washington, admitting no thought but 
for his own country, watched with anxious solicitude, striv- 
ing to restrain their aberrations, and to temper their mutual 
animosities. 

Early in the session of congress which began in December, 
1 793, Mr. Jefferson, the secretary of state, submitted a report 
upon the commerce and navigation of the United States, made 
in compliance with a resolution of the house passed in 1791. 
It exhibited, in detail, the amount of the various articles ex- 
ported to the principal commercial nations, and of the imports 
received in return. The exports consisted principally of pro- 
visions and raw materials ; the imports, of manufactured ar- 
ticles. It is worthy of remark that among the former, cotton 
is not mentioned. Of the exports nearly one half was carried 
to Great Britain and her dominions ; of the imports, about 
four fifths were brought from the same countries ; and yet of 
the shipping of the United States not quite one sixth was em- 
ployed in this trade. 

The report proceeded to state the privileges and restrictions 
of our commerce with the nations referred to. In most of 
them, the articles produced in the United States were subject 
to heavy duties, and some of them were prohibited. In Eng- 
land, their trade was on as good a footing as was the trade of 
other countries; but she enjoyed, in the commercial intercourse 
between the two nations, privileges and advantages far supe- 
rior to those which she permitted to the United States. These, 
however, were not the result of special regulations, but of her 
com laws, navigation act, and colonial system. 

To remove, modify, or counteract, the various restrictions 
imposed, by foreign nations, on our commerce, the secretary 
recommended amicable arrangements as the most eligible ; but, 
if they could not be effected, the interests of the country, in 
his opinion, required, that countervailing regulations should 
be adopted. He would impose the same restrictions and bur- 
dens on their commerce and navigation as they imposed on 
ours. 

Upon the reception of this report, Mr, Madison submitted 



THE UNITED STATES. 297 

his celebrated commercial resolutions, the most important 
features of which were, that higher duties should be im- 
posed on the manufactures and vessels of those nations which 
had formed no commercial treaties with the United States ; 
and that all losses which might be sustained by our citizens 
from the operation of particular regulations of any country, 
contrary to the law of nations, should be reimbursed out of 
the additional duties on the manufactures and vessels of such 
country. At this time, we had a commercial treaty with 
France, and none with Great Britain ; and information had 
just been received that the latter nation had issued instructions 
declaring it to be lawful to send into English ports all vessels 
laden with grain or flour and bound to France. 

Upon these resolutions arose a long, eloquent, and at times 
acrimonious debate. The speakers too often lost sight of the 
effect which their adoption might have on the interests of 
their own country, and viewed them only as the means of aid- 
ing France and injuring Great Britain. The principal argu- 
ments, pertinent to the subject, in support of them, were, that 
every nation ought to demand and enjoy equal advantages in 
her commercial intercourse with all others ; that our com- 
merce was so beneficial to Great Britain, that she would, by 
the adoption of these resolutions, be coerced to modify her re- 
' strictions, and to conclude with us a treaty on favourable 
terms ; that such was the course of trade, that we were de- 
pendent on her for articles of necessary consumption, and in- 
debted to her merchants immense sums, which were evils 
of alarming magnitude, as they placed us almost at her mercy, 
and gave to her an influence over our politics, if not over our 
national councils ; that, ever since the peace, the conduct of 
Great Britain had been arrogant and hostile, that of France 
cordial and friendly, and surely, if no other reasons existed, it 
was just and expedient to reciprocate friendly as well as hos- 
tile conduct; that, by refusing to take the manufactures of 
Great Britain, we should cripple her power and benefit our- 
selves by drawing from her dominions into ours, those arti- 
sans whose wages we in fact paid, but who were not permit- 
ted to consume the productions of our soil. 

True it is, said those opposed to the resolutions, that our 
trade with Great Britain is of greater magnitude than with all 
the rest of the world ; but it is so because she manufactures 
what we want, and sells chea])er than other nations ; her 
merchants, too, give credit, which those of Franco do not ; 
and credit, to a young and growing country, destitute of capi- 
tal, is a solid advantage, and essential to its prosperity: that 
to compel the people to use the manufactures of France might 
be beneficial to her, but must be injurious to them, for slje 
would supply but few of the articles they wanted, and would 
N 5 



298 HISTORY OF 

not sell sucli as she could supply on favourable terras ; that as 
to American navigation, it had already a discriminating duty 
in its favour, and had undor all the disadvantages complainea 
of, gained upon that of Great Britiau; in 17S9, but one half, 
now two thirds, of our commerce was carried on in American 
vessels ; that it could not be true that the debts due to -British 
merchants enabled that nation to exercise influence over our 
l)olitics or councils ; tluy probably had a difiereut effect ; 
"\'irginia owed thern large sums, and her representatives gave 
a strenuous support to these hostile resolutions; New Eng- 
land owed little, and her representatives opposed them: and 
that, if Great Britain had given us cause of complaint, by re- 
taining tho western i)Osts, inciting the Indians to hostility, 
and advancing novel belligerent pretensions, the adoption of 
commercial regulations, injuring ourselves more than her, was 
not the proper mode of avenging our wrongs. 

In February, one of the resolutions was adopted by a small 
majorit}'. ^Vhile the remainder ^vere before the house, infor- 
mation was received that other instructions had been issued 
by Great Britain, subjecting to detention all neutral, and of 
course American, vessels engaged in the trade with the 
French colonies This increasing the animosity against her, 
a bill was introduced, and passed the house, prohibiting all 
trade in articles produced or manufactured in Great Britain or 
Ireland ; but, it being known that the executive had deter- 
mined to institute a new missiim io England, for the purpose 
of making another attempt to adjust all disputes by negocia- 
tion, it v.as rejected in the si-nate, by the casting vote of the 
vice-president. 

fveibre this subject v/as disi)0sed of, another came before 
congress, upon Avl'.ich the dilference of o])inion was not less 
decided, nor the debate less ardent. The president informed 
congress that he had not been able to negociate a peace with 
the dey of Algiers, whose corsairs had lately captured eleven 
American merchantmen, and made one hundred prisoners. To 
protect our commerce and seam- n, and to punish Barbarian 
aggressions, a bill was introduced authorizing the construction 
of six frigates, fuur of forty-four guns, and two of thirty-six. 
It was strenuoui^ly opposed by the republican members. They 
objected to it as the commencement of a permanent navy, 
Avhich would entail ujum the country ex'penses continually in- 
creasing, aVid render it utterly ini'possible to discharge the 
national debt. No instance, they said, could be mentioned in 
history of a nation havinu: a navy and not heavily burdt ned 
with debt. Besides, the force proposed was incompetent to 
tlie i^bject ; and a na\ y, unless large, would soon fall a jirey 
to the great maritime powers of the W()rld. Peace with 
Algier??, or the protection of other powers, could be purchased 
Avith money, aud eiiher uould co^t lesi than t!:e construction 



THE UNITED STATES. 299 

and support of a navy. Over these arguments, the honour of 
the nation, a rich commerce exposed to capture and entitled 
to protection, and the cries of a hundred citizens suffering the 
indignity and cruelties of Algerine slavery, prevailed. The 
bill passed both houses, and received the cordial assent of the 
president. 

After the defeat of St. Clair by the Indians, in 1 701, General 
Wayne was appointed to command the American forces. Tak- 
ing post near the country of the enemy, he made assiduous 
and long-pro ti'acted endeavours to negociate a peace. Failing 
in these, he marched against them, at the head of three thou- 
sand men. (hi the 20th of August. 17!)4, an action took place 
in the vicinity of one of the British garrisons, on the banks of 
the Miami. A rapid and vigorous charge roused the savages 
from their coverts, and Ihey -were driven more than two miles 
at the point of the bayonet. Broken and dismayed, they tied 
Avithout renewing the combat. Tlieir houses and foniiields 
Avere destroyed, and forts were erected on the sites j^ tlio 
towns laid waste. In 17I>->, a treaty was concluded at Gren- 
ville, which, long and faithfully observed, gave peace and 
security to the frontier inhabitants, permitting the superabun- 
dant population of the Eastern States to spread with astonish- 
ing rapidity over the fertile region north-west of the Ohio. 

The tax which had been imposed upon spirits distilled with- 
in the country, bearing heavily upon the people in the western 
counties of Pennsylvania, produced their 'disaffection and dis- 
turbance. Great exertions were made to excite the public 
resentment against those who should willingly pay it, and 
especially against the officers appointed to collect it. In 
September, 1791, a large meeting of malcontents was held 
at Pittsburgh, at which resolutions, encouraging resistance to 
the laws, -were passed ; and subse<iuently other meetings were 
held, at which similar resolutions were adopted. Conmiittees 
of correspondence were also appointed to give unity of system 
to their measures, and to increase the number of their asso- 
ciates. 

A proclamation of the president, exhorting all persons to 
desist from illegal combinations, and calling on the magistrates 
to execute the laws, was disregarded. The marshal of the 
state, while serving processes upon delinquents and offenders, 
was resisted and fired upon. The inspector of the revenue, 
dreading the indignation of the populace, procured a small 
detachment of soldiers to guard his house. These were at- 
tacked by a body of five hundred insurgents, who, setting fire 
to several contiguous buildings, obliged the soldiers to leave 
the house and deliver themselves up. Several individuals, 
zealous in supporting the goveniment, were ordered to quit 
the country, and compelled to obey. An intention was openly 
avowed of resisting the general goveniment with the view of 



300 HISTORY OF 

extorting a repeal of the offensive laws. The effective 
strength of the insurgents was computed at seven thousand 
men. 

The president, conceiving himself bound, by the most solemn 
obligations, " to take care that the laws be faithfully execut- 
ed," determined to call out a part of the militia of Pennsyl- 
vania, and the adjacent states, to suppress this insurrection. 
In the autumn of 1794, fifteen thousand were detached, and 
being placed under the command of Governor Lee, of Virginia, 
were marched into the disaffected counties. The strength of 
this army rendering resistance desperate, none was oflPered, 
and no blood was shed. A few of the most active leaders 
were seized and detained for legal prosecution. The great 
body of the insurgents, on submission, were pardoned, as were 
also the leaders, after trial and conviction of treason. The 
government acquired the respect of the people, by this exer- 
tion of its force, and their affection, by this display of its 
lenity. 

Since the peace of 1783, Great Britain and the United States 
had each incessantl}' complained that the other had violated the 
stipulations contained in the treaty; — the former, that the 
States had prevented the loyalists from regaining possession of 
their estates, and British subjects from recovering debts con- 
tracted before the revolutionary war; the latter, that the 
British troops had carried away slaves when thej'^ evacuated 
the country, for whicli the owners ought to be compensated, 
and that certain military posts on the northern frontier, and 
within the acknowledged boundaries of the republic, had not 
been delivered up. By retaining these posts, Great Britain was 
enabled to control the trade with the Indians ; and she was 
accused of inciting them to commit depredations upon the 
frontier settlements. The discussion of these mutual com- 
plaints had been carried on with no little acrimony and zeal ; 
and to the list of their wrongs the United States had now 
others to add — depredations on their commerce, impressment 
of seamen, and the assertion of rights as a belligerent, which 
they, being neutral, were not disposed to acknowledge. 

In 1794, Mr. Jay was appointed minister to England. He 
concluded a treaty adjusting most matters in dispute, and, in 
the spring of 1795, it was laid before the senate. That body, 
on the 24th of June, by precisely a constitutional majority, ad- 
vised the ])re8ident to ratify it on condition that an article 
should be added suspending a portion of onethat it contained. 
Being doubtful whether the conditional ratification of a treat)' 
was constitutional, he deferred a decision until after his re- 
turn from a visit to Mount Vernon. Its contents having in 
■the mean time, been disclosed, the republican party exclaimed, 
in intemperate language, against many of its stipulations. 
The partisans of France swelled the cry of condemnation. 



THE UNITED STATES.' 301 

Public meetings were held, in various parts of the Union, at 
which resolutions were passed expressing decided disapproba- 
tion of the treaty, and an earnest wish that the president 
would withhold his ratification. Such appeared to be the wish 
of a great majority of the people. 

That any treaty should be made with Great Britain, while 
she was at war with our republican ally, seemed to many an of- 
fence that ought not to be forgiven. The particular objections 
to the treaty were, that it did not allow the United States to 
trade with the British West Indies; that it omitted to secure 
indemnity for slaves carried away ; that it did not provide 
against the impressment of seamen ; that it expressly acknow- 
ledged naval stores to be contraband of war, while the treaty 
with France provided that they should not be so considered ; 
that it conceded that the goods of an enemy were liable to 
capture when found in the vessels of either party, — in other 
words, rejected the principle that free ships make free goods, 
to which France and the United States had agreed. In these 
last-mentioned provisions, the treaty was in conformity with 
the laws of nations; but it was for the interests of America 
and France that those laws should be thus far altered by in- 
ternational agreement. It was, moreover, contended that the 
several stipulations in the treaty transcended the limits of the 
treaty-making power. 

General Washington, on his return from Mount Vernon, con- 
sidering that several of the articles were favourable to the 
United States, believing that an arrangement of the principal 
subjects of controversy with England was highly important, 
and that the treaty belbre him was the best that could, at that 
time, be obtained, gave it his assent, on the 1 1th of August, in 
defiance of popular clamour. So great was the confidence re- 
posed, by the people generally, in their beloved chief magistrate, 
that the public sentiment began immediately to change. The 
friends of the treaty not only increased in number, but gained 
courage to speak in its defence; and during the fall of 1705, 
the nation was agitated by a zealous and animated discussion 
of its meri^. 

The kin^of Great Britain assented to the alteration which 
had been proposed by the Senate, and at the next session of 
congress it was laid before the house of rei)reseutativcs. A 
larger proportion of that body than of the people were dissatis- 
fied with it, and in them the feeling of dissatisfaction was 
even more intense. A resolution was projjosod that the presi- 
dent be requested to lay before the house a copy of the instruc- 
tions to Mr. Jay, and of the correspondence and other docu- 
ments relative to the treaty. This produced a long debate, in 
which less was said on the propriety of passing the resolution 
than on the nature and extent of the treaty-making power. 

The friends of the administration maintained that a treaty 



302 HISTORY OF 

was a contract between two nations, which, under the consti- 
tution, the president, by and with the advice and consent of 
the senate, had a right to make ; and that it was made when, 
by and with such advice and consent, it had received his final 
act. Its obligations then became complete on the United 
States; and to refuse to comply with its stipulations 
was to break the treaty, and to violate the faith of the na- 
tion. 

The opposition contended, that the power to make treaties, 
if applicable to every object, conflicted with powers which 
were vested exclusively in the congress collectively ; that either 
the treaty-making power must be limited in its operation, so as 
not to touch objects committed by the constitution to congress, 
or the assent and co-operation of the house of representatives 
must be required to give validity to any compact, so far as it 
might comprehend those objects. A treaty, therefore, which 
re([uired an appropriation of money, or any act to carry it into 
effect, had not acquired its obligatory force until the house of 
representatives had exercised its powers in the case. They 
were at full liberty to make, or to withhold, such appropria- 
tion, or other law, without incurring the imputation of violat- 
ing anj^ existing obligation, or breaking the faith of the nation. 

The debate on this question was animated and vehement ; 
all the party passions were enlisted in it; it was protracted 
through more than a fortnight ; and, when the final vote was 
taken, there appeared to be in favour of the resolution sixty- 
two, and against it thirty-seven. It was presented to the 
president : but he, in a firm and argumentative answer, in which 
he exposed the impolicy of publishing all the correspondence 
with foreign ministers, and distinctly avowed the opinion that 
a treaty became the law of the land as soon as it was ratified' 
by the president and senate, and that the assent of the house 
was not necessary, declined complying with the request. 
This unexpected refusal added resentment to the zeal of oppo- 
sition. A resolution was proposed that whenever, in a treaty, 
stipulations are made on subjects committed by the constitu- 
tion to congress, the house has a right to deliberate 'ilfc the ex- 
pediency of carrying them into effect. After a debate, in which 
the answer was freely criticised, the resolution was adopted 
by a vote of fifty-seven to thirty-five. 

This treaty containing stipulations which could not be exe- 
cuted without an appropriation of money by congress, a reso- 
lution was proposed, that provision ought to be made by law 
to cany it into effect. This was so far altered as to declare 
that it was expedient to make such provision ; and in this 
form, after another animated debate, it was adopted by a ma- 
jority of two votes. The treaty went into operation without 
further opposition ; and the subsequent prosperity, of Ame- 
rican commerce, though it may be attributed to other causes, 



THE UNITED STATES^ 303 

is strong presumptive proof that the course of the president 
was ocrrect and wise. It Avas certainly dignified and indepen- 
dent. 

The conduct of Spain towards the United States had ever 
been cold and unfriendly. She feared lest the principle of 
liberty, and the desire of independence should find their way 
into her contiguous American province. During the negocia- 
tions at Paris, which resulted in peace, she secretly exerted 
her influence to cause the western boundaries of the new re- 
public, from the great lakes to Florida, to be fixed two or three 
hundred miles east of the Mississippi. To the repeated offers, 
which were afterwards made, to iorm with her a commercial 
ti-eaty, and to make arrangements respecting the mutual navi- 
gation of that river, she pertinaciously declined to accede. 

When the inhabitants beyond the Alleghany Mountains had 
become numerous, she denied them access to the ocean by the 
medium of that river, the mouth of which was within her pro- 
vince of Louisiana. She intended, perhaps, to show them the 
importance of that privilege by wirholding it, and to allure 
them, by the promise of restoring it to submit to her autho- 
rity. The peoj)le of Kentucky, indignant at the deprivation 
laid their complaints before congress. In bold and forcible 
language they asserted their rights, by the laws of God and of 
nature, to the free use of that noble river, and demanded that, 
at any cost, the acknowledgment of that right should be ob- 
tained. 

At letigth Spain became involved in a war with France. 
Embarrassed at home, and intimidated by the unauthorized 
preparations which, under the auspices of Genet, were making 
in Kentucky to invade Louisiana, she intimated her readiness 
to conclude a satisfactory treaty, should a minister be sent to 
Madrid for that purpose. Thomas Pinkney was accordingly 
appointed. In October, 1795, a treaty was signed, securing 
to the citizens of the United States the free navigation of the 
Mississippi to the ocean, and the privilege of landing and de- 
positing cargoes at New Orleaiis. 

Thus w*re adjusted all controversies with two European 
powers, which, while they existed, retarded the prosperity and 
disturbed the tran(iuillity of the country ; and from which, at 
different periods, even war was seriously apprehended. In 1 765 
a treaty was also concluded with the regency of Algiers, with 
which the republic was previously at war. It stipulated that 
the United States, in conforniify with the practice of other 
nations, should, as the price of peace, pay an annual tribute to 
the sovereign of that country. 

Within the last two or three years, several changes took 
place in the important offices of the nation. On the first day 
of the year 1794, Mr. Jefferson resigned the office of secretary 
of state. He had performed the duties of that office with ex- 



304 HISTORT OP 

traordinary ability, and to the entire satisfaction of the presi- 
dent. Having been minister to, France at the commencement 
of the revolution there, he became acquainted with its prime 
movers, and, anticipating, from their exertions, the diffusion 
of the principles of liberty and the renovation of the govern- 
ment, was, in the early stages of its progress, its enthusiastic 
and undisguised defender. Of the republican party he was 
considered the leader, enjoying their highest confidence and 
warmest attachment. He was succeeded by Edmund Kan- 
dolph, of Virginia. 

On the last day of January, 1795, Mr. Hamilton retired from 
the oiRce of secretary of the treasury. He possessed distin- 
guished talents, and had exerted those talents to establish or- 
der where all was confusion, and to raise from the lowest de- 
pression the credit of the country. His complete success greatly 
exalted his reputation ; and to him the federalists felt a since- 
rity of attachment equalled only by that entertained for Wash- 
ington. With him he had served in the revolutionary war, and 
had then acquired his confidence and affection, which he ever 
afterwards retained. Being the advocate of an energetic go- 
vernment, and averse to entrusting much power with the peo- 
ple, he was peculiarly obnoxious to the republican party. He 
was accused of partiality to England, and of misconduct in 
office. After the closest scrutiny, his official character was 
acknowledged by his enemies to be without stain. He was 
succeeded by Oliver Wolcott, of Connecticut. 

At the close of the year 1794, General Knox resigned the 
office of secretary of war, and Colonel Pickering, of Massa- 
chusetts, was appointed in his place. In August, Mr. Ran- 
dolph, having lost the confidence of the president, and having 
in consequence retired from the administration, Mr. Pickering 
was appointed his successor in the department of state, and 
James M'Henry, of Maryland, was made secretary of war. 
No republican being now at the head of any of the depart- 
ments, many of the leaders of that party withdrew their sup- 
port from the administration ; and licentious individuals, in 
their abusive attacks, dared to charge even the president with 
corruption. But the confidence of a vast majority of the peo- 
ple in bis integrity and patriotism experienced not'the slightest 
abatement. 

The conduct of France towards the Aniprican republic con- 
tinued to be a source of increasing trouble and vexation. Mr. 
Fauchet, the successor of Genet, bore, from those by whom he 
was deputed, the strongest assurances of friendshij); but, en- 
couraged and supported by a numerous part}', ardently attached 
toliis nation, he gradually assumed towards the administration 
the tone of remonstrance and reproach. He charged it with 
sentiments of hostility to the allies of the United States, with 



THE UNITED STATES. 305 

partialitj' for their former foes, and urged the adoption of a 
course more favourable to the cause of liberty. 

The American government was in fact desirous of fulfilling 
all its duties to France, and of conciliating her friendship. Mr. 
Morris, the minister to Paris, having incurred the displeasure 
of those in power, was recalled at their request, and his place 
supplied by Mr. Monroe, of Virginia. This gentleman was a 
republican, and had embraced with ardour the cause of the 
French republic. He. was received in the most respectful 
manner by the convention, who decreed that the flags of 
the two republics, entwined together, should be suspended 
in the legislative hall, as a mark of their eternal union and 
friendship. 

Mr. Adet was appointed, soon after, to succeed Mr. Fauchet. 
He brought with him the colours of France, which he was in- 
structed, by the convention, to present to the congress of the 
United States. They were received by the president with ex- 
traordinary ceremonies, transmitted to congress, and after- 
wards deposited in the national archives. In the house of re- 
presentatives, a resolution was unanimously adopted, express- 
ing the lively sensations which were excited by this testimony 
of the existing sympathy of the two republics, and their 
hope, that the brilliant and glorious victories of the French 
people would lead to the perfect establishment of their liberty 
and happiness. 

But France required of the United States more than profes- 
sions and hopes, and more than by treaty she was entitled to 
claim. She wished to make them a party in the war she was 
waging with the despots of Europe. Failing in this, and jea- 
lous of the more intimate relations contracted with her enemy, 
she adopted regulations highly injurious to American com- 
merce, directing her cruisers to capture, in certain cases, the 
vessels of the United States. In consequence of these regu- 
lations, several hundreds, loaded with valuable cargoes, were, 
while prosecuting a lawful trade, taken, and the whole con- 
fiscated. 

Believing that the rights of the nation were not asserted 
and vindicated with sufticient spirit by Mr. Monroe, the presi- 
dent recalled him, and Charles C. Pinkney, of South Carolina, 
was a])pointed in his stead. In the summer of 179(5, be left 
the United Sates, instructed to use every effort, compatible 
with national honour, to restore the amicable relations which 
had once subsited between the sister republics. 

Among the chief actors in the French revolution, at its 
commencement, was General La Fayette. It was not his 
wish, however, to overthrow and destroy, but to reform. He 
soon found that he could not control the storm which he had 
assisted to raise ; and, being known to be hostile to the infu- 
riated leaders of the mob of Paris, they denounced him, while 



3t)6 H^fTORY OF 

in command of an army on the frontiers; and he, to save his 
life, was obliged to throw himself into the power of the ene- 
mies of France. Hating him for his devotion to libertj'^ more 
than they respected him for his love of order and humanity, 
they confined him, at first in the Prussian dungeons of Wesel 
and Magdeburgh, and then in the Austrian dungeon of Olmutz. 
Washington sent a private agent to Berlin to solicit his dis- 
charge ; but, before his arrival there, he had been delivered 
over to the Emperor of German5^ 115 then instructed the 
American minister at London to make known his wishes to 
the Austrian ambassador at that court ; and, not hearing of 
his discharge, he addressed a letter, requesting it, to the em- 
peror himself. All these efforts availed nothing. Equally 
unsuccessful was the daring and romantic attempt of two 
young gentlemen, Bollman. a Hanoverian, and Huger, of South 
Carolina, whose father he had visited when he first came to 
America, to restore him to freedom. They succeeded in li- 
berating him from his dungt^on ; but he was immediately re- 
captured, and they were arrested and confined. He remained 
in prison until Boua})arte, after one of his splendid victories 
over Austria, demanded his release of the emperor, who then 
discharged him, but pretended to do it to show his regard for 
the United States. 

Genera] Washington having, at the sacrifice of his own pre- 
dilections, devoted a great portion of his life to his country ; 
having successfully conducted its armies through an arduous 
conflict for existence ; and having since directed its course 
through the most critical period of an experiment under a free 
constitution, — determined to retire to the enjoyment of do- 
mestic happiness and rural quiet. In September, he announced 
this determination to his fellow-citizens, and, feeling for them 
all the solicitude of a father ibr his children, he published, at 
the time, a farewell address. 

From long experience, he had acquired an intimate ac- 
quaintance with the dangers to which the liberties of the re- 
public were exposed. These he deprecated, and warned his 
countrymen to shun, with all the impressive energy of con- 
viction, and all the ardour of parental affection. He besought 
them, es})ecially, to frown indignantly upon the first dawning 
of any attempt at a separation of the Union ; to discard local 
attachments and sectional animosities; to guard against the 
excessive indulgence of the spirit of party, and against cher- 
ishing a hatred of particular nations, and an affection for 
others. 

This address was read with sentiments of profound venera- 
tion in every part of the Union. Some of the state legisla- 
tures directed it to be inserted at large in their journals, and 
most of them passed resolutions expressing their respect for 
the author, their high sense of his exalted services, and the 



THE UNITED STATES. 307 

emotions with which they contemphited his retirement from 
office. 

To fill the station from which the father of his countr}' had 
resolved to retire, the two great political parties brought for- 
ward their chiefs. The federalists, desiring: that the system 
of measures adopted by Washington should continue to be 
pursued, and dreading the intluence of French sentiments and 
principles, made the most active efforts to elect John Adams. 
The republicans, believing their opponents less friendly than 
themselves to the maxims of liberty, and too much devoted to 
the British nation and to British institutions, made equal exer- 
tions to elect Thomas .Jefferson. 

The result was the choice of Mr. Adams to be president, 
and Mr. Jefferson to be vice-president. Released from public 
cares, Washington hastened to Mount Vernon. Having es- 
tablished his fame as tlie greatest hero and most distinguished 
statesman of the age, he there, devoting his time to the culti- 
vation of an extensive farm, added to his titles of renown 
that of the most industiious and intelligent agriculturist of 
his country. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

MR. ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Mr. Adams was inducted into office in March, 1 797. Soon 
afterwards, he received from Mr. Pinkney dispatches of a 
most disagreeable and alarming nature. The directory, then 
exercising the executive authority of France, had refused to 
accredit "him, declaring their determination not to receive 
another minister from the United States, until they had fully 
complied with the demands which had l3een made. He was 
moreover ordered, by a Avritten mandate, to quit the territories 
of the republic. 

Congress were immediately convened, and the despatches 
laid before tliem. Their proceedings indicated a love of peace, 
but also a firm determination to yield to no unjust demand. 
Laws were passed authorizing the president, whenever he* 
should deem it necessary, to detach eighty thousand men from 
the militia of the United States, providing for an increase of 
the navy, and for augmenting the revenue of the nation. To 
display to France, and to the world, his desire of peace, and 
to leave no means unattempted to preserve it, the pre.^ident 
resoh'ed to institute another and more solemn mission. Gen- 
eral Pinknev, John Slarshail, and Klbridge Gerry, were ac- 
cordingly appointed envoys to the French republic, and were 
instructed, as the first had before been, to seek a reconciliation 



308 HISTORY OF 

as the representatives of a people dreading war much, but the 
sacrifice of honour more. 

These also the directory refused to receive. They were, 
however, addressed by persons verbally instructed by Talley- 
rand, the minister of foreign relations, to make them propo- 
sals. In explicit terms, these unofficial agents demanded a 
large sum of money before any negociation could be opened. 
To this insulting demand a decided negative was given. A 
compliance was, nevertheless, repeatedly urged, until, at 
length, the envoys refused to hold with them any further com- 
munication. After remaining several months at Paris, press- 
ing in vain to be received and heard, two, who were federal- 
ists, were ordered to leave France ; but Mr. Gerry, who was 
a republican, was permitted to remain, and was invited singly 
to enter into discussions relating to the commencement of a 
negociation. 

Information of these events reached the United States in 
the beginning of the year 1798, and excited general indigna- 
tion. For a moment, the spirit of party appeared to be ex- 
tinct. "Millions for defence, not a cent for tribute," re- 
sounded from every quarter of the Union. Congress were 
then in session, and immediately adopted such measures as the 
honour and safety of the country appeared to require. The 
president was authorized to direct the seizure, in certain cases, 
of armed French vessels; provision was made for augmenting 
the navy, for raising immediately a small regular army, and, 
in case events should render it expedient, for increasing it ; a 
direct tax and additional internal duties were laid. 

Upon the treaties with France, concluded in 1778, the new 
government of that nation founded claims for aid, which the 
United States denied to be just, and which if granted, would 
have made them a party in the war. Fortunately for the lat- 
ter, the former had often violated those treaties. Congress, 
therefore, referring to those violations in justification, declared 
that they were no longer to be considered obligatory upon the 
nation. 

It was the avowed object of the new government of France, 
or rather of the party which had acquired the control of the 
nation, to disseminate their principles throughout the civilized 
world. Into every neighbouring kingdom they sent emissaries 
and spies, who, wherever they went, succeeded in formiug a 
French party, opposed to the existing government, and thus 
rendered the conquest of those kingdoms the more easy. That 
such emissaries were sent to this country was suspected and 
believed, especially by those who had no confidence in the 
capacity of the French people to appreciate the blessings of 
free institutions, nor in the sincerity of their professions of 
attachment to liberty. To guard against all possible evils 
from that source, an act was passed, at this session, authoriz- 



THE UNITED STATES. 309 

iilg the president " to order all such aliens as he should judge 
dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States, or 
should have reasonable ground to suspect were concerned in 
any treasonable or secret machinations against the govern- 
ment, to depart out of the country," and, upon their neglect 
to obey, to remove them by force. This act was loudly con- 
demned by the opposition, and by most of the foreigners who 
had emigrated to America. It conferred, they alleged, arbi- 
trary and unconstitutional power upon the president, which 
might be used to expel from the republic estimable men who 
had been induced to resort to it by their love of liberty. 

One of the provisions of another law of this session, called 
the sedition law, was condemned, in still stronger terms, by 
the republican party. It provided for the infliction of exem- 
plary punishment upon the authors and publishers of false, 
scandalous, and malicious libels upon the president or mem- 
bers of congress. Although it allowed the accused to justify 
himself by proving the truth of any charge he had made, — 
thus softening the unjust rigour of the common law, — yet it 
was declared to be a restriction of the right of free discussion, 
and a violation of that clause of the constitution which pro- 
hibits congress from passing any law abridging the freedom 
of the press. 

To command the army which congress had directed to be 
raised, the president, with the unanimous advice of the senate, 
appointed General Washington. He accepted the office, in- 
sisting, however, that' he should not be obliged to leave his 
retirement until his presence in the field became necessary, 
and declaring that he would receive no emolument until he 
should be in a situation to incur expense. Upon his recom- 
mendation, Alexander Hamilton was appointed adjutant-ge- 
neral. In his letter of acceptance, he assured the president 
that " no man could more cordially approve the wise and 
prudent measures of his administration." 

No opportunity was presented of testing the courage and 
skill of the American troops. At sea, a well-contested action 
was fought between tlie American frigate Constellation, of 
thirty-eight guns and three hundred and nine men, com- 
manded by Commodore Truxton, and the French frigate In- 
surgente, of forty guns and four hundred and nine men. The 
former, after an hour's conflict, was victorious. In a subse- 
quent cruise, the Constellation, commanded by the same ofli- 
cer, met and engaged the French frigate Vengeance, of fifty- 
two guns and between four and five hundred men. The com- 
bat lasted from eight in the evening until near one in the 
morning, when the latter withdrew and escaped, having, as 
was afterwards ascertained, fifty of her men killed, and one 
hundred and ten wounded. 

In the gpring of 1800, the Boston captured the Berceau, of 



31 U HISTORY OF 

twenty-four guns. Nearly eighty small armed French ves- 
sels, mostly privateers, Avere also taken and brought into port. 
Not a single American vessel belonging to the national navy 
was captured, except the Retaliation, which, after being taken 
from the enemy, was recaptured. Of American merchant ves- 
sels, the captures were not so frequent after as before the 
commencement of hostilities. 

The United States, in arms at home and victorious on the 
ocean, commanded the respect of their enemy. The directory 
made overtures of peace. The president, therefore, contrary 
to the wishes and advice of many of his political partisans, — 
whose early friendship for France had been changed to ani- 
mosity by her insults and aggressions, and who expected, and 
perhaps hoped, that the Bourbons vv^ould be speedily restored 
by the coalition of kings then recently formed in Europe, — 
despatched a second embassy, consisting of three envoys, to 
Paris. Upon their arrival, they found the executive authority 
in the possession of Napoleon Bonaparte, as first consul. They 
were promptly accredited, and, in Sempteuiber, ISOO, a treaty 
was concluded satisfactory to both countries. 

While this negociation was in progress, the whole Ameri- 
can people were overshadowed with gloom, by the sudden 
death of the father of his country. On the 14th of December, 
1799, after an illness of one day only. General Washington ex- 
pired. Intelligence of this event, as it rapidly spread, pro-^ 
'duced spontaneous, deep, and unaffected grief, suspending 
every other thought, and absorbing every different feeling. 

Congress, then in session at Pliiladelphia, immediately ad- 
journed. On assembling the next day, the house of represen- 
tatives resolved, ^' that the speaker's cliair should be shrouded 
in black, and the members wear black during the session ; 
and that a joint committee should be appointed to devise the 
most suitable manner of paying honour to the memory of the 
MAN first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his 
countrymen." 

The senate, on this melancholy occasion, addressed a letter 
of condolence to the president of the United States. <' This 
event," they observe, "so distressing to all our fellow-citi- 
zens, must be particularly heavy to you, who have long been 
associated with him in deeds of patriotism. Permit us, sir, 
to mingle our tears with yours. On this occasion it is manly 
to weep. To lose such a man, at such a crisis, is no common 
calamity to the world. Our countrj^ mourns a father. The 
almighty Disposer of human events has taken from us our; 
greatest benefactor and ornament. It becomes us to submit 
with reverence to HIM who maketh darkness his pavillion. 

" With patriotic pride we review the life of our WASH- 
INGTON, and compare him with those of other countries who 
have beeu pre-eminent in fame. Ancient and modern names 



THE UNITED STATES. 311 

are diminished before him. Greatness and guilt liave too often 
been allied ; but his fame is whiter than it is brilliant. The 
destroyers of nations stood abashed at the majesty of his vir- 
tues. It reproved the intemperance of their ambition, and 
darkened the splendour of victory. 

" Such was the man vv'hom we deplore. 'Ihanks to God, 
his glory is consummated. Wasbing-ton yet lives on earth in 
his spotless example — his spirit is in heaven. Let his coun- 
trymen consecrate the memory of the heroic general, the pa- 
triotic statesman, and the virtuous sage : let them teach their 
children never to forget that the fruits of his labours, and of 
his example, are their inlicritancey 

Agreeably to the report of tlie committee, and the unani- 
mous resolves of congress, a funeral procession moved from 
the legislative hall to the German Lutheran church, where an 
oration was delivered by General Lee, a representative from 
Virginia. The procession was grand and solemn, the oration 
impressive and eloquent. Throiighout the Union, similar 
marks of affliction were exhibited. A whole bereax'ed people 
appeared in mourning. In every part of the republic, funeral 
orations were delivered, and the best talents of \hQ nation 
were devoted to an expression of the nation's grief. 

An incident has been passed over which rises into impor- 
tance, from its being an early practical assertion, by Great 
Britain, of a claim to a right of visiting American vessels, and 
impressing her own subjects when found on board of them — a 
claim which, being persisted in, and afterwards more fre- 
quently acted on, was a cause of war with that nation. In 
November, 1798, Captain Philips, commanding the sloop Balti- 
more, met, in the Yfest Indies, a British squadron, consisting 
of three ships of the line and tv/o frigates. The British com- 
mander gave him notice that he intended i^i take out of the 
Baltimore every one of her crew who had not regular protec- 
tions, as certificates of American citizenship were called, and 
sent a lieutenant on board for that purpose. Captain Philips 
protested against this threatened outrage on the American flag ; 
but, ])erceiving himself comi)letely in the power of the squa- 
dron, struck his colours, and told the lieutenant that the ship 
was at his disposal. Fifty-tive of the crew were immediately 
removed from the Baltmiore ; but shortly afterwards fifty were 
returned, and the scpiadron departed, carrying off the remani- 
ing five. Captain Philips, upon his return to the United 
States, gave to his government an account of the whole trans- 
action. As he had evinced a want of spirit in making no re- 
sistance to the boarding officer, they immediately dismissed 
him from the navy, without trial ; and the commanders of all 
American armed vessels were specially instructed to resist, to 
the utmost of their power, all attempts to impress any of their 



312 HISTORY OF 

In pursuance of the law enacted in 1790, a place had been 
selected on the Potomac, a few miles above Mount Vernon, 
for the permanent seat of the national government. AVithin a 
district ten miles square, which was called the District of Co- 
lumbia, a city was laid out, to which the name of Washington 
was appropriately given. Public buildings having been 
erected, the officers of government removed to that place in 
1800, and in November of that year, congress, for the first 
time, there commenced its session. 

At this session, a bill was introduced to relieve the judges 
of the supreme court of the United States from performing 
the duties of circuit judges ; dividing the union into six cir- 
cuits, and authorising the appointment, in each circuit except 
the sixth, of three judges, to perform the duties from which the 
judges of the supreme court were relieved. In the sixth cir- 
cuit, one judge only was to be appointed ; and lie, with tvi^o 
of the district judges then in office, was to constitute a circuit 
court. The bill was warmly opposed by the republican party 
as an unnecessary increase of offices, and as leading to an un- 
wise extension of the action, if not the powers, of the na- 
tional judiciary. It was, however, passed ; and the sixteen 
additional judges were appointed and commissioned. A law 
was also enacted authorising the president, whenever he 
should deem it expedient, to sell all the ships belonging to the 
navy, except thirteen frigates. 

At the close of the year 1800, a presidential election again 
recurred. From the time of the adoption of the constitution, 
the republican party had been constantly increasing, and the 
prospect of success now inspired its members with even un- 
usual ardour. Tlie candidates of the federalists were Mr. 
Adams and General Pinkney ; of the republicans, Mr. Jefferson 
and Colonel Burr. In the federal party, a schism had taken 
place, arising from a quarrel between Mr. Adams and two of 
its most prominent members, Mr. Adams and Mr. Pickering. — 
These and their adherents were supposed to entertain even a 
stronger dislike to French politics, and to be more averse to 
entrusting nnich power with the people, than Mr. Adams and 
his particular friends ; and this difference of sentiment, al- 
though it did not impel tliein to abandon the party, had, aided 
by personal collisions, ripened into bitter hostility. Upon the 
eve of the election. General Hamilton addressed a private 
circular letter to many distinguished federalists, in various 
parts of the Union, in which he pointed out defects in the 
character of Mr. Adams, and intimated his preference for Mr. 
Pinkney. By the intrigues of Colonel Burr, a copy of this 
letter was obtained and published ; and this doubtless dimi- 
nished the zeal with which Mr. Adams was supported, and the . 
general confidence in his election. The principal measures of 
his administration were brought under review, and presented 



THE UNITED STATES. 313 

to the people as undoubted proof that he was unfriendly to 
liberty, and desirous of assimilating our goverament and in- 
stitutions to those of Great Britain. No charge could have 
been made which would have been more readily listened to by 
a jealous people, ardently devoted to freedom, and passionately 
hating that nation; and some colour of truth was given to it 
by his frankness in displaying his distrust of the happy result 
of the French revolution, hi evincing his desire of preserving 
peace with Great Britain, and in the avowal that, for the main- 
tenance of liberty and order, the government should be clothed 
with ample powers. His enthusiastic support of the American 
cause, from the very beginning to the end of the revolution, 
his long experience, his talents and his virtues, were insuffi- 
cient to secure his re-election. Mr. Jefferson and Colonel Burr, 
although they received a less number of the votes of the 
people, yet, in consequence of the provision of the constitution 
giving weight to three-fifths of the slaves, they received a 
greater number of electoral votes ; and as they received also 
an equal number, the choice of one of them to be president 
devolved upon the house of representatives. After thirty- 
five trials, during which the nation felt intense solicitude, Mr. 
Jefferson was chosen. Colonel Burr received the votes of the 
federalists, and lost, in consequence, the confidence of his 
former friends. By the provisions of the constitution, he be- 
came of course, vice-president. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

MR. JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

By the recent election, the control of the government was 
transferred to the republican party. Between this and the fe- 
deral party, the only points of real difference were, that the 
former entertained a higher opinion of the capacity of the 
])eople to govern themselves; and that they, in interpreting 
the constitution, sought to restrain, while their antagonists 
sought to enlarge, the powers of the general government. The 
great mass of both were sincerely attached to free institutions ; 
and both contained the usual mixture of good and bad men, of 
patriotic and interested politicians. Local prejudices and in- 
terests were not without their iniluence in giving direction to 
the course, and warmth to the zeal of the most active par- 
tisans. 

Mr. Jefferson entered upon the duties of his office in March, 
1801. To compose his cabinet, he appointed James Madison 
secretary of state, Albert Gallatin, secretary of the treasury, 





314 HISTORY OF 

Henry Dearborn, secretary of war, Robert Smith, secretary of 
the navy, and Levi Lincoln, attorney-generaL He found most 
of the offices under the national government filled by federal- 
ists; it was natural that he and the men who elected him 
should wish that their friends should fill an equal portion ; and 
he set the first example of a president removing men from 
office, because their political opinions differed from his own. — 
By the frequent exercise of the power of removal for this 
cause alone, more strength must be given to the national go- 
vernment, and especially to the executive, — that branch which 
freemen should watch with most jealousy, — than by the most 
latitudinarian construction of the constitution which any fe- 
deralist was ever disposed to give to it. He atoned, in some 
degree, for this error, by strictly enjoining all men in office, in 
a circular addressed to them, to abstain from mingling in the 
partisan conflicts of the time. 

The new president came into office at a most fortunate junc- 
ture. The machinery of government, recently constructed, 
and even recently invented, had been set in motion, been tried, 
and all domestic and foreign impediments to its free and regu- 
lar action had been removed by his predecessors. The people 
were happy in the enjoyment of peace ; and the importunaf e 
call of Europe in arms, for the products of their industry, ani- 
mated them to efforts to increase those products, which few 
had ever equalled. 

At the next session of congress, a bill was introduced to 
repeal the act passed at the preceding session establishing cir- 
cuit courts. It was vigorously opposed by the federalists. 
They declared that congress could not pass it without violat- 
ing the constitution. That provided that judges should hold 
their offices during good behaviour ; this bill, if passed, would 
deprive of their offices sixteen judges who had been constitu- 
tionally appointed. The belief that the additional judges were 
entirely unnecessary, and that the new offices were created 
solely for the purpose of rewarding political partisans, sup- 
plied the deficiency of arguments in favour of the constitution- 
ality of the bill, and it was passed. At the same session, the 
internal duties, imposed at the time of the commencement of 
the war with France, were abolished. 

A second census of the people, refering to 1800, was com-' 
pleted in 1801. They amounted to 5,319,762, having in ten 
years increased nearly 1 ,400,000. In the same number of years 
the exports increased from nineteen to jiinefy-f on?' imWion^, and 
the revenue from 4,771,000 to 12,945,000 dollars ! This rapid 
advance in the career of prosperity has no parallel in the his- 
tory of nations, and is to be attributed principally to the insti- 
tutions of the country, which, securing equal privileges to all, 
give to the enterprise and industry of all free scope and full 
encouragement. 



THE UNITED STATES. 315 

In 1802, the state of Ohio was admitted into the Union. It 
was formerly a portion of the North-western Territory, for the 
government of which, in 1787, an ordinance was passed, by 
the Continental congress. With commendable ibre;--ight, they 
provided that slavery, the source of weakness, of poverty, and 
of crime, should never exist in that extensive and fertile region. 
This is doubtle^ss one of the causes of the unparalleled rapidity 
of its population. In thirty years from its first settlement, the 
number of its inhabitants exceeded half a million. The state 
of Tennessee, which was previously a part of North Carolina, 
and lies between that state and the river Mississippi, was ad- 
mitted in 1 796. 

The right of deposit at New Orleans, conceded to the citizens 
of the United States by Spain, and necessary to the people of 
the western country, had, until this period, been freely enjoyed. 
In October, the chief officer of that city prohibited the exer- 
cise of it in future. This violation of a solemn engagement 
produced, throughout the states of Ohio and Kentucky, indig- 
nant clamour and violent commotion. In congress, a propo- 
sition was made to take possession, by force, of the whole pro- 
vince of Louisiana, and the injured people of the west were 
eager for permission to avenge their wrongs, and to regain 
their rights, by the sword. 

A more pacific course was adopted. Knowing that the pro- 
vince had been ceded, although not transferred, to France, the 
president instituted a negociation to acquire it by purchase. 
In April, 1803, a treaty was concluded, conveying it to the 
United States for fifteen millions of dollars. 

The territory'' thus added to the national domain, was first 
discovered by the French, who, in 1699, began a settlement 
within its limits. It continued a colony of that nation until 
1762, when it was ceded to Spain. In her possession it re- 
mained, slowly increasing in population, until October, 1800, 
when ii; was retroceded to France, and by her v/as afterwards, 
as has been related, transferred to the United States, The in- 
habitants, a mixture of French and Spaniards, were not nu- . 
merous. Its boundaries have never been defined. They 
embrace, at a moderate estimation, a territory more extensive 
than some of the most powerful European kingdoms ; and in 
many parts the soil is exceedingly fertile. Its acquisition was 
considered, by the United States, of the greatest importance, 
as it gave them the entire control of a river which is one of 
the noblest in the world. 

Since the year 1801, war had existed between the United 
States and Tripoli, one of the states of Barbary, situated on 
the coast of the Mediterranean. No memorable event occurred 
until 1803, when a large squadron, under the command of Coni- 
i^iodore Preble, was despatched into that sea. On arriving 
before Tripoli, Captain BiiiHbndge, in the frigate Philadelphia, 



316 HISTORY OF 

of forh'-four guns, was sent into the harbour io reconnoitre. 
"While in eager pursuit of a small vessel, he unfortunately ad- 
vanced so far that the frigate grounded, and all attempts to 
remove her were in vain. The sea around her was immediately 
covered with Tripolitan gun-boats, and Captain Bainbridge 
w^as compelled to surrender. The officers were considered as 
prisoners of war ; but the crew, according to the custom of 
Barbary, were treated as slaves. 

At the capture of this frigate, the enemy rejoiced and ex- 
ulted beyond measure. Lieutenant Stephen Decatur conceived 
the design of retaking or destroying her. Commodore Preble, 
applauding the spirit of the youthful hero, granted him per- 
mission to make the attempt. In February, 1804, he sailed 
from Syracuse, in a small schooner, having on board but se- 
vent^'-six men, entered undiscovered the harbour of Tripoli, 
and, advancing, boldly took a station alongside the frigate. 
Perceiving the crew in consternation, Decatur sprang on 
board ; his men followed, and withdrawn swords rushed upon 
the enemy. The decks wei*e soon cleared, some being killed, 
and others driven into the sea. 

A heavy cannonade upon the frigate, from the batteries on 
shore and the coai*saii*s near, was now commenced, and several 
vessels of war were seen approaching. She was set on fire 
and abandoned, none of the party being killed, and but four 
wounded. Throughout all the piratical states, this brilliant 
exploit exalted the reputation of the American arms. The 
president, in reward of his address and bravery, promoted 
Lieutenant Decatur to the rank of post-captain in the navy. 

"While the squadron remained before Tripoli, other deeds of 
heroism were performed, evincing a love of fame and a devo- 
tion to countiy unsurpassed in Grecian or Roman story. The 
events and operations of this war shed a lusti-e upon the Ame- 
rican name, gave experience and character to the officers, and 
prepared them to acquire greater glory in a contest with a no- 
bler foe. They were equalled, however, by an enterprise on 
land, bold and romantic in its conception, and exhibitiiig, in its 
execution, uncommon address and decision of character. 

"William Eaton, who had been a captain in the American 
army, was, at the commencement of this war, consul at Tunis. 
He there became acquainted with Hamet Caramanly, whom a 
younger brother had excluded from the throne of Tripoli. "SVith 
him he concerted an expedition against the reigning sovereign, 
and returned to the United States to obtain permission and the 
means to undertake it. Permission was granted, the co-ope- 
ration of the squadron recommended, and such pecuniary as- 
sistance as could be spared was affi^rded. 

To raise an army in Egypt, and lead it to attack the usurper 
in his dominions, Avas the project which had been concerted. 
In the beginning of ISOo, Eaton met Hamet at Alexandria, 



THE UNITED STATES. 317 

and was appointed general of his forces. On the 6th of March, 
at the head of a respectable body of mounted Arabs, and about 
seventy Christians, he set out for Tripoli. His route lay 
across a desert one thousand miles in extent. On his march, 
he encountered peril, fatigue, and suffering, the description of 
which would resen^ble the exaggerations of romance. On the 
25th of April, having been lifty days on the march, he arrived 
before Derne, a Tripolitan city on the Mediterranean, and 
found in the harbour a part of the American scpiadron, destined 
to assist him. He learnt also that the usurper, having received 
notice of his approach, had raised a considerable army, and 
was then within a day's march of the city. 

No time was therefore to be lost. The next morning he sum- 
moned the governor to surrender, who returned for answer, 
**My header yours." The city was assaulted, and, after a 
contest of two hours and a half, possession gained. The 
Christians suffered severely, and the general was slightly 
wounded. Great exertions were immediately made to fortify 
the city. On the 8tli of May, it was attacked by the Tripoli- 
tan army. Although ten times more numerous than Eaton's 
band, the assailants, after persisting four hours in the attempt, 
were compelled to retire. On the 10th of .June, another battle 
was fought, in which the enemy were defeated. The next 
day, the American frigate Constitution arrived in the harbour, 
which so terrified the Tripolitans that they tied precipitately 
to the desert. 

The frigate came, however, to arrest the operations of 
Eaton, in the midst of his brilliant and successful career. 
Alarmed at his progress, the reigning bashaw had offered 
terms of peace, which, being much more favourable than had 
before been offered, were accepted by Mr. Lear, the authorized 
agent to the government. Sixty thousand dollars were given 
as a ransom for the unfortunate iVmerican i)risoners, and an 
engagement was made to withdraw all support from Hamet. 
The nation, proud of the exploits of Eation, regretted this 
diplomatic interference, but the treaty was ratified by the pre- 
sident and senate ; and thus ended the war in the Mediter- 
ranean. 

By the constitution, as first adopted, each of the presidential 
electors was required to vote for two persons, without desig- 
nating which of the two he preferred for president. The one 
who received the highest number of votes was to be president; 
and he who received the next highest number, to be vice- 
president. If two persons received an equal and the highest 
number, the house of representatives were to choose one to be 
president ; and the other was to become of course vice-presi- 
dent. This mode of voting, it was su])po8ed, would i)revent 
intrigue, and secure the election of suitable persons for bpth 
offices. At the last election, although the republican party 



518 HISTORY OF 

and every republican elector preferred Mr. Jefferson for presi- 
dent, yet Mr. Burr received an equal number of votes, and the 
party incurred the hazard of having their choice defeated in 
the house of representatives. In 1803, an amendment of the 
constitution was proposed by congress, requiring the electors 
to designate the persons intended for president and for vice- 
president ; and it was subsequently ratified by the requisite 
number of states. 

Colonel Burr, having lost the confidence of the republican 
party, became, in 1804, a candidate for the office of governor 
of New York: the federalists generally gave him their votes, 
but Mr. Hamilton, considering him an unprincipled politician, 
openly opposed his election. The choice fell upon the rival 
candidate. A duel ensued between these distinguished indivi- 
duals, the challenge proceeding from Burr. Hamilton was 
mortally wounded. This event produced a strong and lively 
sensation throughout the Union. At the next presidential 
election, which occurred in the same year, Mr. Jefferson was 
elected president, and George Clinton, of New York, vice- 
president, the former receiving all but fourteen votes. 

Burr, notwithstanding his brilliant talents, now sank, for a 
time, into merited obscurity. His future conduct showed, 
however, that, while unobserved by his fellow-citizens, he 
had not been idle. In the autumn of 1806, his movements in 
the western country attracted the notice of government. He 
had purchased and was building boats on the Ohio, and en- 
gaging men to descend that river. His declared purpose was 
to form a settlement on the banks of the Washita, in Louisiana; 
but the character of the man, the nature of his preparations, 
and the incautious disclosures of his associates, led to the 
suspicion that his true object was either to gain possession of 
New Orleans, and erect into a separate government the coun- 
try watered b}'" the Mississippi and its branches, or to invade, 
from the territories of the United States, the rich Spanish pro- 
vince of Mexico. 

From the first moment of suspicion, he was closely watched 
by the agents of the government. At Natchez, while on his 
way to New Orleans, he was cited to appear before the 
supreme court of the Mississippi Territory. But he had so 
enveloped his projects in secrecy, that sufficient evidence to 
convict him could not be produced, and he was discharged. 
Hearing, however, that several persons, suspected of being 
his accomplices, had been arrested at New Orleans and else- 
where, he fled in disguise from Natchez, was apprehended on 
the Tombigbee, and conve^^ed a prisoner to Kichmond. Two 
indictments were found against him, one charged him with 
treason against the United States, the other With preparing 
and commencing an expedition against the dominions of Spain. 
In August, 1807, he was tried, upon those indictments, be- 



THE UNITED STATES. 319 

fore John Marshall, the chief justice of the United States. 
Full evidence of his guilt not being exhibited, he was acquit- 
ted by the jury. The people, however, believed him guilty: 
and, by their desertion and contempt, he was reduced to a 
condition of the most abject wretchedness. The ease with 
which his plans were defeated, demonstrated the strength of 
the government ; and his fate will ever be an impressive warn- 
ing to those who, in a free country, listen to the suggestions of 
criminal ambition. 

The constitution gives to congress the general power to re- 
gulate commerce ; but specially forbids it from passing any 
law, prior to the year 1808, to prohibit the importation of 
slaves into any of the states then existing which might think 
proper to admit them. In the exercise of its general power, 
it had, in 1794, subjected to forfeiture American vessels em- 
l)loyed in the trade in slaves between one foreign port and 
another ; and it had afterwards prohibited the importation of 
slaves into the territory of Mississippi. It had, in fact, done 
all it could do to put an end to the trade without violating 
the iuhibition in the constitution. Early in March, 1807, be- 
fore any other nation had prohibited the slave trade, and, as 
some thought, before congress could act on the subject, it in- 
terdicted, under very severe penalties, the importation of 
slaves into any of the United States, after the 1st day of 
January, 1808. 

The war produced by the French Revolution continued to 
rage in Europe. The attempts, made by the neighbouring 
kings, to compel republican France to resume her monarchical 
institutions, had not only been resisted and defeated by her 
indignant citizens, but they had followed home the repelled 
invaders of their country, and had subdued those who began 
the war with the hope and purpose of subduing France. The 
nation" had necessarily become a nation of soldiers ; and one, 
more daring and fortunate than the others, had been placed at 
their head as chief of the republic. By his extraordinary 
talents, and the vast means subjected to his single will, he 
acquired control over most of the European kingdoms. 

England, however, unsubdued and undaunted, had become 
as pre-eminent on the water as France on the land. Her 
powerful navy drove every hostile navy from the ocean, and 
rode triumphant in every sea. America prolited from the (de- 
struction of the ships and commerce of other nations. Being 
neutral, her vessels carried from port to port the-productions 
of France and her dependent kingdoms, and also to the ports 
of those kingdoms the manufactures of England. Few ships 
were found on the ocean except those of the United States 
and Great Britain. 

The latter, having always found it impossible to man her 
numerous ijeets t3y voluntary enlistments, had been ac- 



320 HISTORY OF ; 

customed to resort to impressment, or seizing by force her 
subjects and compelling them to serve, as sailors, on board 
her ships-of-war. Soon after the peace of 1 783, she claimed 
a right to search for and seize them, even on board of neutral 
vessels while traversing the ocean. In the exercise of this 
pretended right, citizens of the United States, sometimes by- 
mistake and sometimes by design, were seized, dragged from 
their friends, transported to distant parts of the world, com- 
pelled to perform the degrading duty of British sailors, and 
to fight with nations at peace with their own. Against this 
outrage upon personal liberty and the rights of American 
citizens, Washington, Adams, and Jefferson, had remonstrated 
in vain. The abuse continued, and every year added to its 
enormity, until a feeling of resentment was aroused worthy 
the best periods of the Roman republic. 

But not in this mode only were the rights of the United 
States invaded, and their interests sacrificed on the ocean. In 
the war of 1756, between England and France, the former 
expelled nearly the whole mercantile navy of the latter from 
the ocean. France, therefore, not being able to carry on 
safely the trade with her colonies, which, by her colonial 
regulations, she had before reserved wholly to herself, ad- 
mitted neutrals to participate in it. A vast amount of French 
property was thus withdrawn from the reach of British 
cruisers ; and France sustained but little injury, and Great 
Britain derived but little benefit from her vast naval su- 
periority. Her government and courts, therefore, adopted 
and enforced a rule, which they pretended to deduce from 
some principle of the law of nations, and which has been 
denominated the rule of the war of 1756, that a neutral has 
no right, in time of war, to carry on a trade between a mother 
country and her colonies, which the former prohibits in time 
of peace. This rule was sustained by the plausible argu- 
ment, that an enemy should not be permitted thus to elude 
one of the consequences of the superiority which her ad- 
versary, by her expenses and bravery, had acquired ; and that 
a neutral could have no rightful claim to a commerce from 
which she would be for ever excluded but for the successes of 
a belligerent — to a commerce, in fact, which one belligerent 
had conquered from another. Under colour of this rule, a 
large number of American ships, carrying to Europe the pro- 
duce of French colonies, were, in an early stage of the war 
and afterwards, captured by British cruisers, and condemned 
by her courts as lawful prizes. 

But even this was not all. An unwarrantable extension 
was given to the belligerent right of blockading an enemy's 
ports. Hitherto it had been universally held that one 
belligerent blockading the ports of another, could not inter- 
cept the trade of a neutral with those ports unless a naval 



THE UNITED STATES. 321 

force, sufficient to render entrance into it manifestly danger- 
ous, was stationed before it. In May, 1806, several European 
ports under the control of France were declared to be in a 
state of blockade, though not invested with a British fleet, 
and American vessels attempting to enter those ports were 
also captured and condemned — thus giving to a British edict 
the force of law on the ocean. 

France and her allies sufi'ered, as well as the United States, 
from these transgressions of the laws of nations. Her ven- 
geance fell, not so much upon the belligerent inflicting the in- 
jury, as upon the neutral enduring without resenting and repell- 
ing it. By a decree, issued at Berlin in November, 1806, the 
French emperor declared the British islands in a state of 
blockade, and of course authorized the capture of all neutral 
vessels attempting to trade with those islands. From these 
measures of both nations, the commerce of the United States 
severely suffered, and their merchants loudly demanded of 
the government redress and protection. 

For several years, Mr. Monroe, as minister to Great Britain, 
had been endeavouring to effect an arrangement of the various 
subjects of controversy between the two nations — imprison- 
ments, boundaries, blockades, and numerous violations of the 
rights of neutrals. In the spring of 1806, the president, to 
evince his earnest desire to adjust all disputes, appointed 
William Piukey, an associate with Mr. Monroe, and despatched 
him to London. Near the close of the year, these ministers 
concluded a treaty with British commissioners a])i)ointed to 
confer with them. It contained no provision on the subject 
of impressment ; and, mureover, information of the Berlin de- 
cree having, before it was signed, been received in London, the 
British i)lenipotentiaries, on proceeding to sign it, addressed a 
note to the American ministers, in which they reserved to 
(jireat Britain the right to adojjt countervailing regulations, 
should Bona])arte execute that decree, and neutrals submit to 
it. Mr. Jefferson, on receiving the treaty, decided at once 
that he would not give it his sanction, and, without submit- 
ting it to the senate for their consideration, instructed Messrs. 
Monroe and Piukney to proceed in the negociation. And they 
were exi)licitly directed not to conclude any treaty which did 
not provide against the practice of imi)ressment, or which al- 
lowed Great Britain to treat neutrals as Franco might treat 
them. 

Notwithstanding the French people had exchanged then- 
republican for monarchcial institutions, a preference for that 
nation over every other but their own still lingered among the 
republicans of the United States. That her emperor, a child 
of the people, was combating and humbling the old despot- 
isms of Europe ; that he was warring with England, against 
5 



3?S Hl!SlOK\ OF 

N\ hvMu thov stUl folt avitvp-ivotov^ hostility, inoivasod by Uoihit^ 
i<»rj!:J>N!!Su>ns, — m«Y rtotvunt fvn' tho hold \vhioh Vranco still vi' 
t«iutHl upon their symputhios. ihi the* v^thor h:\nv^. tho fotVnwl- 
jsts, stviui? their \>nuiietiot», that Wnnee \> vnihi wnde thivugli 
hUnxi to i1t\«i\H>tisiu. \evituHl. mui iHMveivini? no ivasv>n ^^•hy a 
V^vneh emjHMvr shtniUi he iMx^tVnx'd tv> a Ihitish kinji. still 
eherished c» \nvdelietion for KnjJrlaiui. F.avh party rt^ganled 
the aijjiivssivnis v^t" its tavourito nation with induljionee. while 
loudly eondenininif thos^e of the as other aggravated and un- 
^Mulonahle \vi\n\4is. 

In .lune. 1S07. an event vH\urivd. whieh for a time eon- 
eentrated u\h>xi one of the rival nations the \vh<>le \vt>i»tht o( 
popular indignatiin\. The friiiate Chesapeake, while near the 
eoast of the rnitxM States, and nnsuspioivuis of danger, was 
tiivd upon tVinn the l.eoi>nui. a Hritish ship of superior foree ; 
thr*v of her men wen'' killed and eichteeti wounded. Heini? 
unpn^jv^r^^i for aetivMu she struek hereolours. Avas then ho:>rd- 
t^i by a detaehment fixMw the l.eopawi. her eivw inusttMed. 
and tour v>f them tor^'ibly earned t>tT, upon the pn^tenee that 
they wew l>ntish deserters. The truth, upon investigation, 
WHS asivrtained to be. that three olthem weiv eiti/ens of the 
Tnittni St^\t*^s. had bivti impivssed by the British, and after- 
wai>is esea\vd trom their serviiv. 

rhis insolei\t attack u^nnx a national shii^ — this wanton ex- 
eivise of a elaim derv>gatory to national honout^ — JU^>used the 
Sipirit of the rt^publie. The distinetioiis of party wen^ forgot- 
ten : numerv">us inivtings of the eitirens weiv held; and all 
ivneunvd in the exprt^ssion o( a determination to support the 
gwonnnent of their eountry in its etVorts to obtain, whether 
by neg^oeiationor war. satistaetioufor this insulting outr.\ge. 

rhe pivsident. by pn>elamation. pixMiibited all Uritish ships- 
t>t-war fivin continuinjr in or entering the harboui^ of the 
Inited States. He sent instruetions to the nnnist\^r at Lon- 
don to demand sstisfaetion for the insult, and security against 
future aggn^ission. He summoned eongn^ss to meet and de- 
cide what tuturt^ measuns should be adopted. The British 
govennnent pivn>ptly disavowing the act of its otlicer. the 
iuv^tile feelings which had been excited began to subside ; but 
delaying to nmd r satisfaction, and n^fusingr to adopt ade- 
quate measun^s to prevent a continuar.ee of aggn^ssion. they 
wert^ not extinguished nor a]»}>eased. 

IVmaparte having declartHi his mirpose of enforcing with 
rigxnir the Berlin decive ; the British government having so- 
lemnly asserted the right v>f seaivh and impivssment. and hav- 
ing intimated their inttnition to ao.opt mensuivs in n^tnliation 
of the WiK'h deciw.- the pn^sident ivcommended io congivss 
that the seamen, ships, and men^handise. of the Tnited Sratt^s 
should tv detained in ^vrt to pivserve them fKnn the dangci^ 
which tlm^tttened them on the oivan. A l«w laying an inde- 






THK (;mtkh kjatkn. :y^3 

Wu'iU: tmjhargowuM in corjHJ'fjuwicei'njuiltjd.* A li(>j»«! to courcH 
th(! ln'Mii^vri'ut yowvrn to nfturn to tlio obH(;rvnn<;«; of tlio law* 
oi' iii\i.'ioun, \iy r[»'|<rivinK 1I"'"j oC flic h<;tif'litH 'IcnvifrJ fr(<;fi Ihu 
tr;i,fl(; of Arnfricji, waH floiihtluHH u conciirmiK motive for jiuhh- 
ifiK tli(; law. 

A fi'vv (layM only liafl i-\'.i\)W(], wlicn inroffriation wuh rfcc'iv- 
('(], i\r,ti (irt'id r.nfain liad j;roliihil«'fl nr'ulniJH, (•xcj-\tiu\)(>ii Um* 
fli'KnifliriK oonrlilion ofpayiriK a lax or UWtuU; io li<T,rrofn f.rad- 
ing wifli i'rani;*^ or \u:r hWif.it, r;om{inK)nK nearly <5V«'ry znari- 
fiinr; nafir;n of liuroj^c, TIiIm wan follovvefl, in a. few wccUn, 
l»y a fleoHM; iHHUfj] hy J{onai;arJ«f, at Milan, ()e(;|arinj< Uiat«!V«;ry 
neutral vcHur:], vv'liiclj wliould Mnhmit to he viKite'l hy a liillmh 
Kl;i[>, or to pay tla; triljuto flenianded, hIioijM be eonliM(;aUi<J, Jf 
u(t<TwarflM i'oujjfl in liin portw, or tak';fi by Imm eruiwerK. 'Iliiin, 
at tlie (]iiU'- of'tlir; embargo, wcra hf(iff» and <lecrfM'» m ♦;A/Mt- 
en(.'c n-nrjering liable to (;5i[;tijr<; alinoHt every AuKJricau veniu^l 
Hailing on the orc.iu. 

In tlio Nr-w Kngland Htatf-H, tfu; r-rnbarKo, wiUilioUJinK Umj 
niercbant tnmi a ean.'er in vvbicb li<f bad been bigbly 
OHM, anf] in wliir;b Ik; injaginc.'d tliat Uu um 
offortunf,', ()(u:uHi(>u(i(] f]iHf:ontf.'nt and (Jarnoiir. Tlie (efJeralmti*, 
rnorr; jjuinr-ronM tb^rf; tban in any f/tl/er part ol tb<; C.'nion, pro- 
nouncod it a incaHuronnwixr; and Oj>(*reMKiv<;, Tln-nt- rtrj/rexen- 
fationx, and tb'; real and w.verc dJMtri.'WH wbieb Utc |;<'Opl(; <tj- 
dunrd, (produced a rapid cbang<; in tb<;jr political (^pinionn. in 
a Kbort time, a rnajorily br-canu; fcd^'raliKtM, and oppowd wifb 
zoal all the rm-aHnr*-* of tlw^ governnu-nt. 

lu Dk.' fall of I'/iUri. a now < Ifctio/i of (;bj<;f inuniHirnU'. Uthk 
place. At tbc time, of the adoption of tbeconwfifiifion, Mr. 4(:f» 
Hon bad frcly vaiinnr.cA blx regret tbat jt did not eo/jfain a 
pn)vi«ion tbat no p(;rHon, baving been onee <;le<;(ed to that 
ofiice, Hbonld afterwardn be eligible. \VaHbingf^>ij, after reluc- 
tantly eonnenting, at iUt srolicitation of tbe leading pafnotu 
of tbat time, io be a h< ^ond time a eandidate, bad w^t tbe ex- 
ample of declining abxoluti.ly Ut Merve aw projidtmt more than 
two Urum. Mr. JefferHon, now, following and confirming tbo 
example of Waxbinj^^ton, aniionnced bii* int<'ntion to refiie Ut 
private life. Jamea MudJKon wax elect^-d prejtident, and (itn^mt 
CliDton re-elect/'d vic<'-pre»ident. 

Tlie cfimplaintM againut tbe embargo were lintiiied to by fb« 
government, and, early in tbe year IMi'.f, tbe law imposing it 
wan repealed- In if« place wa» Mub»»titut<d a law probibiling 
all commercial intercour>v<,' with I ranee and Great iJntain; it 
coutainrd, bowever, a jrt-on«i(>n tbat, if cifber nation nbould 
revoke bfr br/hfib* edctn, and tbe president wbonid announce 
tbat fact by proclamation, tb< n Ibe non-intercourne law nbc/uid 
ceaw.' to be m ihtLt: in regard to tbat uuium. An opportunity 
-was tLij« pnf;n;ttd, upially to lolb, for <itlur (u r»Muwi«r all 
tj;e advantagcH of a i'n^t U'mIl witi^ tl*e liuteU bt»t(0, fti>d to 



H34 HISTORY OF 

*ecuiv their frioudship. by ivpoaliujr odicts admitted to be vio- 
lations of the rights ot'uontrals. and only justitiod, if justified 
at all, by the illegal conduct of the advei-s^ary nation. 



CHAPTER WXl. 

MK. MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

In April, 1809, soon after Mr. Madison was inaugurated, Mr. 
Erskiue. then the British minister at ^Vashin}fton, addressed a 
letter to the seeivtary of state, informing;- him that his trovern- 
meut >vould be m illiiii? to withdraNv their orders in eouneil, so 
fi\r as n^speeted the United j^tates. if the president >vould issue 
his prvH'lamation for the renewal of intereoui-se with (ireut Bri- 
tain. The secretary, in reply, assured Mr. Ki-skine that, should 
the orders be withdrawn, such a proelaniatiou would be issued 
iu conformity with the act of iivui-intereourse. Mr. Ki-skine 
then stated to the seeivtary that he was authorized to declare 
tliat the orders would be withdrawn, as respected the United 
States, on the 1 0th day of the following .lune. The pivsident 
accordingly declared, by proclamation, that the ordei-s would 
be withdrawn on that day. and that the iutercoui-se between 
the two countries might tlien be ivnewed. 

Mr. l-1-skine was also instructed tojjiropose terms of repara- 
tion for \\w attack on the Uhesapeake. Chi the 7th of April, he 
addivssed to Mr. Smith, the American secretary, a note stating 
that, in addition to the pivmpt disavowal o\' the conduct of the 
commander of the Leopard, whose nH\ill, as a mark of the king's 
displeasure, immediately ensued, his majesty was willing to 
ivstore the men forcibly taken, and to make a suitable provi- 
sion for the unfortunate sutVenTS on that occasion. Mr. Smith, 
in reply, declared that "the prt^sident accepted the note, and 
would consider it, with the engagement in it, when fult\lled,as 
a satisfaction for the insult and injury ;" unwisely adding the 
rt^nark that, wliile the pivsident lorboiv to insist on a further 
punishment of the otVending oftieer. " he was not the less per- 
suaded that it would best c.unport with what was due fivm 
his l^ritanuic majesty to his own honour." 

The arrangement in respect to the ordei*s in eomicil and the 
non- intercourse act was highly gratifying to the citizens of the 
United States. Having been, for some time, almost entirely 
excluded from the ocean, they rejoiced at the prospect of again 
enjoying the benetlt of an extensive and protitable commerce. 
But iuti'lligence soon came that the l^ritish ministry ivfused to 
ratify the arrangement, declaring that Mr. Ei*skine had no au- 
thority to make it. A second proclamation was thereiipou is- 
sued, aunouuciug that the non-iutercoui-se act was still in force, 



TllK TJNITKl) STATKW. 32/J 

and that all commorcial int<;rcoiirH(» with Cjr«at Britain wan 
unlawful. TIiIh nffiiHul n!viv(;(l and inllanicd the anirnoHity 
■whicii li;id hccn jjn^viouHJy felt a^^uinnf, fliat natifni ; and ili(5 
condijcf-of Mr. .lackHon, lh(! huucuhhov ol' Mv. lirHkirK;, rendered 
ihi'. feelinKHlill more infciiHC!. The Hritinh rniniHiry wereMondy 
oflended by the (;oii<;liidirif< nirnark in tin; reply of Mr. Smith, 
accejitinx the prollered rejiaraiioii for tht; atfack on ihr; (.'ImMa- 
I)eak(; ; and tJie-ir ambaHHador appeared to he weirawan* of tho 
ie(;lingH of thoKc; who H(,'nt him, IliH corr(!Hpondr;nc(,* with Mr. 
Smith waH, throuKlioiit, arrogant in manner and oHe-nHive in 
tone. II(! Hiated to him that the mod(; in which tlx; tender of 
re[)aration had l>e(;n accepted, put it totally oiitof hiH mnjeHty'H 
power to niiify and conlirm it; and wIkui called upon to ex- 
plain why an :ign;emerit, made with an .'iccrerliffd mirjiHter, 
and ex(;cuted by th(! linited StatcH, had bee-n dinavowj-d, ho 
aMHigned, aH the n-aHfrn, tli;it it vv;ih entered into in violatif^nof 
inHtructions, which inHlruclioriH had been communicaterl to th«! 
H(;cretary, tliuH iriKiniiatinj/ that f Ihj Am<-ricarj governm(;nf, when 
it concluded the arrangem(,'nt, krif.'W that Mr. J'irHkine had no 
authority to make it. ThiHwaH diHtinctly denifid by th(! Hocre- 
tary; biit Mr. JackKon rejjeabtd the iriHinuation. Ilr; waH im- 
mediately informed that no further ccnnmumcationH would h« 
recf.'ived from him, and that an account of Win conduct would 
be tranHmitb'd to hin govfjrnmftnt. 

It waH one of the provinionH of the rion-irjt/<ircourKe act, that 
all French and Ibitiffh veHHelw which Hhould, after the 20th of 
May, IHOO, enter th<; [torfwof tin; I-'nited Staten, Hhould b<! con- 
tiBcated. Honaparfe, profennin^ to connider f hin a hontilf! mva- 
Hiin;, indued, in retaliation, a decree at Hamfjouilh-t, directing 
that all Americ;an merchant vr;HH'-lH whif;h had ent«;red the 
p(jrtM of France, or of countries (jccupicd by trench trf>ripH, 
after that time, Hhould be Hold, and the proceedn deponited in 
the tr«;aHury. 

The term for which the bank r;f the r;riit<,'d Staten wax in- 
corporated extended only to I HI I . Ah early an 1 r^OX, the Htock- 
holderHa|jjjlied to congrenn to continue itn exiMt(!nce for an ad- 
digional term. 'J'hin apj>lication waH not definitely acted on 
until the KCHHion held in the winter of lHlO-1 1. Vrorn itM firHt 
entabliKhmeut it had been under the managemf;ntof federalintM ; 
much of itM Htock was now owned by Uritiah caj^italiHtH ; w*t- 
ting ahide itn utility an an Jigent of thr,- government, in col- 
lecting and diHburHJng the revenue, the benefitHit directly and 
immediately conferred wc.-re enjoyed principally by merchautM 
and manufacturern, alwayH regarded with jealouny, if not 
envy, by other cla«HeH of [>eopl«' ; the opinirm that congrcHM 
had not the [lOWitr to create a corporation of any kind, wax 
Htill ent^jrtained by many ; thr; application, therefore, met with 
a warm and decided opposition, and wan finally rejected, in 
trhe houtte of reprcwentativeri, by a majority of a Mingle vote. 



326 msTOEV 01^ 

It must, of course, have received the support of a considerable 
number of republican members. Albert Gallatin, who was se- 
cretary of the treasury under Mr. Jefferson, and at this time 
in office, was in favour of the renewal of the charter. He had 
been a witness to the tidelit}^ with which all its duties to the 
government had been performed, and was convinced of its uti- 
lity and safety. It immediately began to call in its debts and 
to pay its notes ; and, that the people might not be deprived 
of the benefits of a circulating medium, a large numl3er of 
banks, not less than forty, were incorporated by the state 
legislatures. 

The non-intercourse law expired in May, 1810, when a pro- 
position was made equally by both belligerents, that, if either 
would revoke its hostile edicts, that law should be revived 
and enforced against the other. In August, Bonaparte, by 
his minister of state, assured Mr. Armstrong, the American 
envoy to France, that the Berlin and Milan decrees were re- 
voked, the revocation to take effect on the 1st day of Novem- 
ber ensuing. Confiding in this assurance, the president, on 
the 2nd day of November, issued his proclamation, declaring, 
that all intercourse with Great Britain was jDrohibited, and 
that an unrestrained commerce with France was allowed. 

Great Britain ha^•ing expressed a willingness to repeal her 
orders -whenever France should repeal her decrees, she was 
now called upon, by the American envoy, to fulfil her engage- 
ment. She objected that the P'rench decrees could not be con- 
sidered as repealed, a letter from the minister of state not 
being, for that purpose, a document of sufficient authority. 
In answer to this objection, proof was presented that the 
French admiralty courts considered them repealed, and that 
no American vessels, although many had entered the ports of 
France,, had been subjected to their provisions. Great Britain, 
however, still pertdsted to enforce her orders. 

For this j)urpose she had stationed ships-of-war before the 
principal harbours of the United States. All American mer- 
chantmen, departing or returning, were boarded, searched, 
and many of them sent to British ports as legal prizes. L^- 
pressments, too, were frequent, and the British officers, enfw- 
taining exalted ideas of their naval strength, and holding in 
contenipt the republican flag, exhibited, on all occasions, an 
extreme insolence of behaviour, which was quite as efficient 
in widening the breach between the two countries as all the 
captures they had made. 

In one instance, however, their insolence was deservedly 
punished. Commodore Rodgers, sailing in the frigate Presi- 
dent, met, in tlie evening, a vessel on the coast of Virginia. 
He hailed, but, instead of receiving an answer, was hailed in 
turn, aud a shot was fired which struck the mainmast of the 
President. Th^ fire was instantly returni,e,(i p.y the commodore 



THE UNITED STATES. 327 

and continued for a few minutes, when, finding his antagonist 
was of inferior force, and that her guns were almost silencecl, 
lie desisted. On hailing again, an answer was given, that the 
sliip was the British sloop-of- war Little Belt, of eighteen guns. 
Thirty-two of her men were killed and wounded, and the ship 
was much disabled. 

Mr. Foster, successor to Mr. .lackson, arrived at Washing- 
ton in the summer of 1811, and proposed terms of reparation 
for the attack on the ('hesapeake. These were, a formal dis- 
avowal of the act, restoration to the frigate of the surviving 
sailors taken from it, a pecuniary provision for those who were 
wounded, and for the fanjilies of those who were killed. These 
terms were accepted by the president. 

But the British envoy could give no assurance that his go- 
vernment was disposed to make a satisfactory arrangement on 
the subject of impressment, or to repeal the orders in council. 
These orders, on the contrary, continued to be enforced with 
rigour; and, on the restoration of a free commerce with 
France, a large number of American vessels, laden with rich 
cargoes, and destined to her ports, fell into the power of Bri- 
tish cruisers. Such was now the state of affairs, that the 
United States sutFered the evils of war, while Great Britain 
enjoyed the advantages. Her cruisers, since 1803, had cap- 
tured nine hundred American vessels. 

The patience of the nation was exhausted. President Ma- 
dison, eariy in November. 1811, called congress together, laid 
before them the state of foreign relations, and recommended 
that the republic should be placed in an attitude to maintain, 
by force, its wounded honour and essential interests. A ma- 
jority of the representatives of the people, actuated by the 
feelings, and expressing the sentiments, of their constituents, 
determined to act in accordance with the recommendation of 
the president. Laws were enacted providing for the increase of 
the regular army to thirty-five thousand men ; for the augmen- 
tation of the naval establishment ; empowering the i)nsident 
to accept of the services of volunteers, to make a detachment 
from the militia, and to borrow eleven millions of dollars. 
It was the expectation of many that Great Britain, witness- 
ing these serious preparations, would recede from tlie stand 
she had taken. 

Events, howeser, occurred, while congress were in session, 
which considerably diminished this expectation. For several 
years, the Indian tribes residing near the remote lakes and the 
sources of the Mississippi, had displayed symptoms of hostibty, 
murdering a number of wliites and robbing others of their pro- 
perty. In the fall of 1811, General Harrison, with a small 
force, was sent into their territories, instructed to negociate 
if possible, but to light if necess^ary. ( )n tlie (ith of Xoveinb«"r he 
arrived at Tippecanoe, their principal town, wliere he was met 



32?^ HISTORY OF ' 

by Indian messengers, ^v[t\\ whom an agreement was made, 
that hostilities should not tiiko place before the next morning, 
jmd that tlien au amieable oout'orence should be held. 

Just betoiv daybreak, the sa\ ages, in violation oi' their en- 
gagement, made a sudden «nd furious attack upon the troops 
in their encampment. >;othing but the precaution o( sleeping 
in order of battle, on their arms, saved tiiem from total defeat. 
A dreadful slaughter was made; but the savages were tuially 
repulsed, dispei-sed. and their town laid waste. A strong be- 
lief was entertained, founded upon credible testimony, that 
they had been incited .to hostility by British agents stationed 
among theui. 

In February. ISl'i. .lohn Henry, who had once resided in 
ftmada, communicated to the president the fact that, in ISOi), 
he had been employed, by the governor of that province, upon 
a secret mission to lUiston, the metropolis of the New England 
States ; and that he was instructed to confer with the disaf- 
fected, upon the subject oi" a separation of those states from 
the Tnion. and their fornuug a jielitical connection with Givat 
Britain. He exhibited documents ni support of his disclosuivs, 
which he was led to make by the neglect of his employer to 
reward hiu\ for his services. It did not ap[iear that he had 
succeeded in corrupting the tidelity of any individual ; but the 
attempt, in a time of peace, and in the midst of the most ami- 
cable i>rofessious, not only preserved m full force, but nicreased, 
the \n-evious irritation. 

Congress continued to bi> tnnployed until the 2()th of May 
in making preparations for war. still cherishing the hope that 
a change of policy in F.urope would render nnntvessary an 
appeal to arms. On that day, the Hornet arrived from Lon- 
don, bringing information that no prospect existed of a favour- 
able change. On the 1st of June, the president sent a message 
to congress, ivcounting the wrongs ivctuved from luvat Bri- 
tain, and submitting the question whether the United States 
^*hould contimie to endure them, or resort to war. 

In both branches, the message was received and considered 
with closed doors. In the house, it was referred to the com- 
nuttee of foieign relations, and, on the .'ni. Mr. Calhoun, from 
that committee. nu\de a long ivi^ort. or nnvmfesto. in which 
were eloquently set forth the various causes of war — the cap- 
tuiv of .\merican vessels engaged in the colonial trade ; de- 
claring ports not invested in a state of blockade ; the orders 
in council of January and November, 1S07 ; and the impress- 
ment of American seamen : •* while this practice is continued," 
remarked the committee, " it is impossible for the United J^tates 
to consider themselves an independent nation." On the 1th, 
an act declaring war against liivat Britain was i>assed, the 
vote being seventy-nine to forty-nine, and sent to the senate. 
In that body it remained under consideration until the 17th, 



TMK UNITKI) HTATKH. :\2\) 

wluui it waH there p.-iHucd by a vote; of Tiiriet<!cri to tliirtcc'ii ; 
and on tli(! IHtli il; received flie ajtprobiiiion of tli(! piifwidfiiif,. 

'J'lie rneuHurc waH decidedly conderimed by a coMHiderabb; 
])ortioii of ih(; citi/(3tiH, iirii()iif< wboiri W(Te ni;uiy bonesl, and 
abUi iiKfn. Kx(;r(MHing the nndoubicid privilej^e of I'rec/inen, 
they examined wifh the; Heverewt Hcnitiriy, the nujaHureH anrl 
motiv(!H of tlie adrninJHiration. Tiiey nHHv.rUu] that the war 
was unn(!ceHHary, j)artial, and iinwiH(! : that it waw iinri(!C«!H- 
Hary, becatiHf!, in their opinion, a HatiKfactory adjustment of'iill 
diHputeHmii^ht have been obt.iin(;(J by fiirth«'r ne^ociation : that 
it waH partial, becaiJ!S(; I'r-.nivA', h;i(l given gr(;ater provocji.tion, 
in proiMjrtion to h(jr means of annoyance, than ^injat l»rit;i.in : 
that it wan un"wi:-)(', b(;cauH(! the nation was not j)rej)ared for 
war; bi;cauH(!, by dechxring- it agairiHt ahnost the; only remain- 
ing enemy of I'Vance, th(! (Initf.'d Slaten indirectly but povvc^r- 
fully aHHiHt(;d Honaj)art(! in bin denign of nnivc-rnal (;on(|Uf!Ht; 
and becauHe tin; (!X|jenH(;H and HnlleririKH it muHt unavoidably 
occasion, would more than coiinterbalanc(; nil the advantaKeM 
Bought to be obtained. And many, j);iHHing the limitw of candid 
and tem[)erat(! dincuHHion, indulged in a virulence of iTjve(;tive 
of whi(;h no government Hhould be the object that in not niani- 
fewtly corrupt. 



CUAVVVAi XXXII. 
(JAMJ'AION OF 1812. 

TirK people of th(! rjnited States r(!membf;red, with pride, the 
patriotism and bravery exhibited by their army in th'; revolu- 
tifmary war. A long period of p(;ace and prosperity had in- 
creaH(,'d th(Mr c(jnfid(.'nce in their own strength; and th** belief 
was generally entertained, that victory ov(,'r tiie «ame foit 
would now be so much the more certainly and easily gainerl, 
as the nation was more rich and pojjulous. They did nfjt re- 
flect that peace had imj^aired the military energies of the 
rej)ublic, while thffir enemy, by constant exercise in arms, 
had acfpiired, not only additional strength, but greater skill to 
use and apply it. 

From the veteran officers, who had acrpjired fame in the for- 
mer conflict, a selection was n)ade to fill the jjrincijjal posts in 
the new army, ilenry Dearborn, of Massachusetts, was ap- 
pointed major-general and commander-in-chief. He was at 
the battle of ]Junl:er'« Hill. In the exp«;(3ition a;^•linKf Quebec,_ 
he served an a captain undc-r Arnold. He diHlinguished himself 
on these and other occasions; and at the closi; of the war, 
bore the conimis.-iion of colonel. He held, for a long time, the 
office of Hecretary of war, and discharged its duties with ex- 



;i30 HISTORY OF 

emplary industry and skill. Thomas rinkney, of South Ca- 
rolina, ^vas also ai)i)ointed major-genoral. Amonj? the briga- 
diers were "Wilkinson, Hull, Hampton, and Bloomtield. 

At the time of the declaration of ^var, (ieneral Hull was 
also governor of the Michigan territory, of which Detroit is 
the capital. On the 12th of May, with two thousand regulars 
and volunteers, he crossed the river dividing the Ignited States 
from Canada. On the same day, he addressed a proclamation 
to the Canadians, tendering them the blessings of civil and re- 
ligious liberly, and assuring them, in a lofty tone, " that his 
force was suilicient to break down all ojiposition," and yet 
was but the vanguard of one n\uch greater. It ap]ieared to be 
his purjjose to attack Maiden, and thence proceed to Mon- 
treal. 

Had the attack been instantly made, success would have 
been highly probable. A month was wasted in ruinous delay. 
Distrust and contempt expelled contidence and attachment 
from the breasts of the Canadians. The ardour of the troops 
began to cool. Maiden was reinforced, and at this critical 
moment, information was received that Mackinaw, an Ameri- 
can post above Detroit, had surrendered to a large body of 
British and Indians, Avho were rushing down the river in num- 
bers suflicient to overwhelm the American forces. Panic- 
struck, (Jeneral Hull hastened back to Detroit. 

U})on his arrival there, he received inlbrmation of the unfor- 
tunate result of an exi)edition previously dispatched to the 
river Raisin. Being apjirised that Ca]itain Brush, Avith a com- 
pany of the Ohio volunteers, had arrived at that place with 
supplies for the army, and knowing that the woods Avere tilled 
with Indians, he had sent Major ^'anhorne, with one hundred 
and lifty men, to escort him to Detroit. This detachment was 
surprised and attacked by a body of British and Indians, and 
defeated. About six hundred troops, under the conniiand of 
Lieutenant-Colonel INIiller, Avere now directed to proceed to 
the river Raisin for the same })urpose. At Brownstown these 
were also attacked, and a sanguinary battle took place. — 
Painted savages, filling the air with hideous yells, and British 
regulars fighting by their side, were, for two hours, resisted by 
the American troops, and at length driven to the river, which 
they crossed to Maiden. Ot' the enemy about one hundred 
and thirty, of the Americans about seventy-five, were killed or 
wounded. The next day, Colonel Miller was ordered to re- 
turn to Detroit. 

It was on the 8th of August that Ceneral Hull evacuated 
Canada. CfCneral Brock, the British commander, immediately 
left Maiden at the head of a force superior in number to the 
Americans, but com^)osed principally of militia and Indians, 
and drew nearer to Detroit, (hi the 13th, Colonels 3P Arthur 
and CasS; with four hundred troojjs, were directed to proceed, 



# 



THE UNITED STATES. 331 

on another route, to the river Rai8in, and conduct the supplies 
to head-quarters. On the 14th General Brock erected batteries 
opposite the city, and began a cannonade upon the American 
fortifications. Expresses were sent out to recall M' Arthur 
and (jass, but were prevented from proceeding by numerous 
bodies of Indians. On the IfJth, the British crossed the river, 
landing at Spring Wells, about three miles from the city. — 
Meeting with no resistance, their commander resolved to march 
directly forward, and assault the fort. 

The troops, cool and undaunted, awaited in good order the 
approach of the enemy, anticipating an easy victory. To the 
astonishment of all, General IIull forbade the artillery to fire, 
and hung out a white flag in token of a wish to capitulate. A 
correspondence between the two generals was immediately 
opened, which ended in the surrender of the army and of the 
territory of Michigan. 

It is impossible to describe the indignation of the soldiers 
and citizens, when they saw themselves delivered, by the au- 
thority of one man, into the power of an enemy whom they 
supposed they might easily have cont^uered. Many believed 
him either a traitor or a coward. An event so disgraceful, 
occurring in a quarter where success was confidently antici- 
pated, caused throughout the (Tnion the greatest mortification 
and amazement. Stung by disappointment, all united in cen- 
suring General Hull. His greatest, perhaps his only fault, was 
want of decision and energy. 

The people of Ohio and Kentucky were alarmed. Nearly 
ten thousand citizens made a tender of their services, and a 
part of them, placed under the command of General William 
H. Harrison, marched towards the territory of Michigan. But 
great and numerous were the difficulties encountered ; tlie 
volunteers were unwilling to submit to the wholesome re- 
straints of discipline; and winter arrived before any import- 
ant undertaking could be accomplislK.'d. Several incursions 
were made into the country of the savages, who, instigated 
by British agents, and by a celebrated Indian j^rophet, and 
commanded by Tecumseh, a gallant warrior, had become 
almost universally hostile. Some of these incursions were 
successful, some unfortunate; but by the general result the 
frontier settlements were saved from savage attacks, and the 
numerous tribef? of north-western Indians were disheartened, 
and driven father into the wilderaess. 

For the purpose of invading Canada in another fiuarter, an 
army of regulars and militia were assembled on the northern 
frontier of New York. It was far less numerous than the go- 
venmient had anticipated. So haj)i)y was the condition of 
even the ])Oorest class of American citizens, tiuit but few could 
bo induced to enlist as soldiers ; and in some of the states the 
plausible doctrine was maintained, that the officers of the go- 



332 HISTORY OF 

nenil government have nofpower over the militia until called 
into service and consitrued to their authority by the state exe- 
cutive, and that even then they cannot bo conii)olled to march 
beyond the national boundary ; and some of the governors, 
"Nvhen called upon to \)h\c\? their ijuotas of militia, or parts of 
it, under the orders ot national ollicors, declined, for the rea- 
son that congress could only " jirovide for calUng forth the 
militia to execute the laws t)f the I'nion, siijipress insurrec- 
tions, and repel invasions," and that neither of these exigencies 
then existed ; and, moreover, that the constitution reserved to 
to the states the right of appointing the olUcers of the militia. 
The general govennnent was thus deiirived of a large amount 
of one species of force ui)on Miiich it had relied to carry on 
the war. 

General Van Rensselaer, of the New York militia, being the 
senior ofiicer on that frontier, had the command of these troops, 
which M'ere called the army of the centre. His head-quarters 
Avere at Lewistown, on the River Niagara, and on the oppo- 
site side Avas Queenstown, a fortified British post. The mi- 
litia displaying great eagerness to be led against the enemy, 
the general determined to cross over to Queenstown. The 
lirst attempt was defeated by tempestuous Aveather. On the 
13th of October, a party led by Colonel ^'an Rensselaer, effected 
a landing, although opposed by a British force stationed on the 
bank. The colonel Avas severely wounded ; but the troops, un- 
der Captains Ogilvie and Wool, advanced to storm the fort. 
They gained possession ; but, at the moment of sucess. Ge- 
neral Brock arrived, from a neighbouring post, with a reinforce- 
ment of six lunidred men. These, although the most numer- 
ous, were gallantly driven'back by the American troops. In 
attempting to rally them, Cieneral Brock Avas killed. 

The commander-in-chief, Avho had previously crossed over, 
now returned to hasten the embarkation of the rear division. 
Those Avhohad lately shoAvnsuch eagerness to meet the enemy 
nOAV utterly refused to iiass beyond the national boundaiy. 
He entreated and remonstrated, but in vain. Meanwhile the 
enemy, having received another reinforcement, advanced to 
attack the Americans in the fort. A desperate and bloody con- 
flict ensued, of Avhich the militia Avere calm spectators. In the 
end, the British Avere comjiletely victorious. C)f one thousand 
men Avho crossed into Canada, but feAV effected their escape." 
Of the American officers engaged in this conflict, besides those 
mentioned, Lieutenant-Colonels Scott and Christit* were highly 
distinguished for their bravery. 

Soon after, General ^'an Rensselaer retired from the service 
and Avas succeeded by General Alexander Smyth of Virginia. 
In a turgid address to the " men of New York," he announced 
that, in a fcAv days, he should plant the American standard in 
Canada, and invited them to share in the danger and glory of 



THE UNITED STATES. 33^^ 

the enterprise. His force was increased, by those who obeyed 
his call, to four thousand five hundred men. The morning of 
the 2Hth of November was assif?ned as the time of crossing. 
So tardy were the movements of the troops, that until afternoon 
he first division was not ready to leave; the American shore. The 
enemy appeared in force on the opposite bank ; a council of 
ofiicers decided that it was inexpedient at that time to cross ; 
and the troops were ordered to d(;bark. They were disap- 
pointed and dissatisfied ; but their clamour was ajjpeased by 
the assurance that another attt^mpt would speedily be made. 

The next day, they received orders to be in readiness to em- 
bark on the 1st of December. lUit tiieir first disappointment 
had sensibly damped its ardour. At the api)ointed hour, the 
boats were not ready to move; and, when ready, but fifteen 
hundred men were found willing to cross. A council of war 
decided unanimously against proceeding, and again the troops 
were ordered to debark. 'J'he plan of invading Canada was 
abandoned for the season. The blame of these failures was 
attributed, by the soldiers to their commander ; and so highly 
were they exasperated, that for several days, his life was in 
danger from their fury. 

The army of the north, which was under the immediate com- 
mand of General Dearborn, was stationed at Greenbush, near 
Albany, and at Platsburgh, on Lake Cham plain. From the 
latter post, a detachment marched a short distance into (Cana- 
da, surprised a small body of British and Indians, and de- 
stroyed a considerable ([uantity of public stores. Other move- 
ments were anxiously expected by the people ; but after the 
misfortunes at- Detroit and Niagara, the general deemed it in- 
exj)edientto engage in any important enterprise. 

Thus ended the campaign of 1H12. Although, on many oc- 
casions, extraordinary gallantry had been displayed, yet no- 
thing was accomplished, and the losses sustained were numer- 
ous and heavy. Those who approved of the delaration of war 
felt disappoint(!d, mortified, and dejected. They attributed 
most of the misfortunes of the country to the conduct of the 
federalists, whom they accused of endeavouring to prevent en- 
listments into tlie army, and of maintaining the most pernici- 
ous doctrines in relation to the militia. The federalists, on the 
other hand, attributed these repeated failures to the imbecility 
of the administration, and to the imwise selection of military 
ofhcers. They assumed a bolder tone of censure, and evinced 
a more determined spirit of opposition. 

But-while, on land, defeat and disgrace attended the arms 
of the republic, on the ocean, where the injuries which led to 
the war had been inflicted, they gained a rich harvest of vic- 
tory and glory. Upon the declaration of war, the American 
officers and seamen glowed with ardour to avenge the suflFer- 
ings of their impressed fellow-citizens, and to vindicate the 



334 HISTORY OF 

honour of the republican flag. Those ships-of-war which wei*e 
ready for sea, immediately sailed in search of the enemy. 

The tirst capture, ho^ve^ or, of a ship-of Avar was made by 
the enemy. The Nautilus, of fourteen guns, commanded by 
Lieutenant Crane, leaving New York early in July, fell in, the 
next day, with a s(piadron of English frigates, aiid, not suc- 
ceeding in her attempts to escape, surrendered Avithout a cou- 
tlict. Soon after, the Essex, Captain Porter, of thirty-two 
guns, while sailing under the guise of a merchant vessel, was 
attacked by the Alert, of twenty guns. A tremendous and 
unexpected tire from the Essex frightened the British crew 
from the deck to the hold, and in eight minutes her flag was 
struck. 

On the li)th of August, Captain Hull, who commanded the 
Constitution, of forty-four guns, descried a British frigate. 
His crew, giving three cheers, letjuested to be j)laced along- 
side of their antagonist. For three (Quarters of an hour, the 
latter eudea\oured, by skilful mamvuvring, to obtain the ad- 
vantage of position. Defeated in this, she advanced towards 
the Constitution, tiring broadsides at intervals. When she 
had approached with half pistol shot, a tremendous cannonade 
burst upon her from the American frigate. In thirty minutes, 
ever}' mast and nearly every spar being shot away, she struck 
her flag. 

She was found to be the Guerriere, of thirtyeight guns, 
commanded by Captain Dacres. Of her crew tifty were killed, 
and sixty-four wounded. She had receis'ed so much injury 
that it was thought to be impossible to get her into port, 'and 
she was burned. The injury sustained by the Constitution 
was slight: of her crew, seven were killed and seven wounded. 
Although she carried a few more guns than her antagonist, 
yet the innnense disparity of elfect clearly demonstrated the 
suj)erior skill of the American seamen. Captain Hull, on his 
return to the I'nited States, was welcomed Avith enthusiasm 
by his grateful and amiring countrymen, Avho conferred upon 
him those honours and distinctions most dear to the patriot 
and hero. 

But this was the flrst only of a series of naval victories. On 
the ISth of October, Captain Jones, in the Wasp, of eighteen 
guns, captured the Frolic, of tAventy-tAvo, after a bloody con- 
flict of three tpiarters of an hour. In this action, the Ameri- 
cans obtained a victory over a force decidedl}'- superior. On 
their part, but eight Avere killed and Avounded ; on that of the 
enemy, about eighty ! On the 2oth, the i'rigate United States, 
commanded by Captain Decatur, encountered and captured 
the British frigate ^Macedonian. The former carried a fcAv 
guns the most, but the disparity of loss Avas astonishingly 
great. On the part of the enemy, a hundred and four Avere 
killed and Avounded ; on that of the Americans, but eleven I 



THE UNITED STATKH. 335 

The Wasp was unfortunately capturod, Hoon after her victory, 
by a HritiHli shij) of the line; ihv. United StatcH brouKlit lier 
pri/e safely to New \'ork. 

A fourth naval battle was fought, and a fourth victory gain- 
ed, on the 29th of Deceniber. On that day, th(,' Constitution, 
of forty-four guns, then commanded by ('a[)fain Hainbridge, 
captured the British frigates Java, of Ihirty-f.-ight. The ccjuibat 
continued more than three hours. The; Java was reduced <o 
a wreck: of her crew, one hundred and sixfy-ont; were killed 
and wounded ; of that of the; Constitution, tliirty-four. 

These successive victories were peculiarly gratifying to the 
nation; they were gained in the midst of disasters on land, 
and by that class of citizens whose rights liad been violated ; 
they were gainf^d over a people claiming to be lords of the 
sea, whom long and continued success had rendered haughty 
and insolent, and who had confidently boasted that the whole 
American navy would soon be swept from the ocean. 

Many 13ritish merchantmen were likewise captured by the 
American navy; and privateers, issuing from almost every 
port, and many of them bearing Hags inscribed " free Trad(» 
and Sailors' Rights," were remarkably successful. The nuni- 
b(?r of prizes made during the first seven months of the war, 
exceeded live hundred. Many surrendered without resistance ; 
but many were not captured until after conflicts distinguished 
by uncommon bravery and nautical skill. 

Upon the great lakes, on our northern frontier, the United 
States were almost destitute of ships-of-war. On Lake Krie 
they had none; on Lake Ontario, where the enemy had six, 
all carrying eighty-two guns,, they had only the Oneida, of 
sixteen. In Octijber, Captain /,'hauncey arrived at SackeCs 
Harbour, instructed to form a navy on those waters. Com- 
mitting the charge of Lake Erie to Li<.*utenant Klliot, he en- 
gaged with zeal in providing a naval force for Ontario. lie 
purchased trading vessels, put guns on board of them, and 
before winter, with a squadron seven in number, but carrying 
only fortv guns, ventured out in search of the enemy, lie fell 
in with "the Royal George, of twenty-two guns; but she 
escaped into the harbour of Kingston, and sought protection 
from batteries on the shore. The Americans boldly followed, 
and for half an hour poured upon her a destructive fire; but, 
night coming on, they were oblig^l to retire. In the course 
of their cruise, they captured two schooners and a sloop, (Jn 
the 2Gth of November, a new ship, called the Madison, and 
pierced for twenty-four guns, was launched at Sacket's Har- 
bour, the timber of which, nine weeks before, was growing in 

the forest. • , . , • ^ /■ xi 

In the autumn of this year, the quadrennial penoa for the 
election of president and vice-president again recurred. The 
candidates for president were, the incumbent, James MadiHon, 



33t> HISTORY OF 

of Virginia, and De Witt Clinton, of New York; for vice- 
president, Elbridge Geny, of Massacliusetts, and Jared Inger- 
soU, of Pennsylvania. Those who were opposed to the war 
supported Mr. Clinton and Mr. IngersoU ; and they were 
joined by many who believed that, should the former be elected 
president, and should he find it impracticable to make an 
honourable peace, he would call forth the resources, and direct 
the arms of the republic, with more decision and energy. 
Great exertions were made by the partisans of the opposing 
candidates, and the passions of the people, especially in the 
Middle and Northern States, were highly excited. Of the 
electoral votes given, Mr. Madison received one hundred and 
twenty-eight, and Mr. Gerry one hundred and thirty-one, and 
and were elected. Mr. Clinton received eighty-nine, and Mr. 
IngersoU eighty-six. 



CHAPTER XXXIII; 

CAMPAIGN OF 1813. ' 

After a recess unusually short, congress met again on the 
4th of November, 1812. In his opening message, the president 
adverted to the disaster at Detroit, commented with severity 
upon the employment of Indians by the enemy, and imputed 
to the latter all the blame of the atrocities commitfed ; and he 
stated that to gain the command of the lakes, which he ex- 
pected to secure by the success of General Hull, active mea- 
sures had been taken to provide on them a naval force superior 
to that of the enemy. 

He also informed congress that, immediately after the de- 
claration of war, he had communicated to the British govern- 
ment the terms on which its progress might be instantly ar- 
rested and negociations resumed. These terms were, that the 
orders in council should be repealed, ro far as they affected 
the United States, without the revival of blockades violating 
acknowledged rules ; that all American seamen then on board 
of British ships should be discharged, and that a stop should 
be put to impressment from American ^'essels, giving the as- 
surance that the United States would agree to a mutual sti- 
pulation that the seamen of each nation should be excluded 
from the vessels of the other. These terms were rejected by 
Great Britain. 

It appeared also, from the message and the documents which 
accompanied it, that the French government had published a 
decree, bearing date April 28, 1811, repealing those of Berlin 
and Milan. This date was subsequent to that of the letter of 
the French minister, assuring Mr. Armstrong that they were 



THE tJNItED SPATES. 337 

i-evoked. Why, if a decrep was necessary, the letter was 
written before one existed ; why, if not necessary, it was 
passed; and why it vv^as not sooner promnlgated, are myste- 
ries which have never been explained. In May, 1812, it was 
ofiicially commnnicatod to the British government ; and they, 
on the 23d of June, revoked their orders^ in council, reserving, 
however^ the right to revive and enforce them on certain con- 
tingencies. And it further appeared, that two propositions 
for an armistice had been received — one from the supreme au- 
thorities of Nova Scotia and Canada, the other from Admiral 
Warren, the chief naval officer on the American station. The 
former was rejected because it did not appear to have been 
authorized by the British government, and secured, moreover, 
to the enemy advantages which it denied to the United States ; 
the latter, because, by accepting it, the United States would 
have conceded to Great Britain, by implication at least, the 
right to continue the practice of impressment. 

The rejection of these propositions was approved by the 
national representatives, who, unwilling to abandon any of 
the objects for which war had been declared, adopted more 
vigorous measures to prosecute it. The bounty and the wages 
of soldiers were increased. The president was authorized to 
raise twenty additional regiments of infantry, to issue treasury 
notes, and to borrow money. And the prejudice against a 
navy, which had grown up among those not interested in na- 
vigation, being conquered by its successful gallantry, appro- 
priations were made for building four ships of the line, six 
frigates, and as many vessels of war on the great lakes as the 
public service might require. 

So anxious were the citizens of the western country to re- 
gain possession of the territory of Michigan, that, in order to 
effect it. General Harrison resolved to undertake a winter 
campaign. General Winchester, with a portion of the arm}', 
proceeded in advance to the Ilapids of the Miami, where he 
encamped. Hearing that the village of I'renchtown, on the 
River Raisin, was threatened by a party of British and Indians, 
he detached Colonels Lewis and Allen, with about five hun- 
dred men, to protect it. They found the enemy already there, 
attacked, defeated, and drove them into the woods. 

After achieving this victory, they ought to have been re- 
called ; but they encamped near the field of battle, a part of 
them being protected by a line of pickets ; and in a few days, 
General Winchester joined them with a few of hi^^ troops'. 
Although near an enemy's post, but little procaution was 
taken to prevent a surprise. Early in the morning of the '2?d 
of January, they were attacked by a large force of Britit^haud 
Indians, the former commanded by Colonel Proctor, the latter 
p 



338 HISIOBY OF 

by the chiefs Roiindhea^ and Splitlog. The troops in the 
open field were thrown into disorder. Genert^l Winchester and 
other officers made an ineffectual attempt to rally them. They 
lied, hut, while attempting to escape, were mostly killed by 
the Indians. The general aiid Colonel Lewis were n>ade pri- 
soners. 

The troops behind the pickets maintained the contest with 
undaunted bravery. At length Colonel Proctor assured Ge- 
neral Winchester, that if the remainder of the Americans would 
immediately surrender, they should be protected from mas- 
sacre ; but otherwise he would set tire to the village, and 
would ^lot be responsible for the conduct of the savages. In- 
timidated by this threat. General Winchester sent an order to 
the troops to surrender, which they obeyed. 

Colonel Proctor, leaving the wounded >Yithout a guard, 
marched back immediately to Maiden. The Indians accom- 
panied tliem a few miles, but returned early the next morning. 
Deeds of horror followed. The wounded officers were dragged 
from the houses, killed and scalped in the streets ; the build- 
ings were set on lire ; some, who attempted to escape, were 
forced back into the flames ; others were put to death by the 
tomahawk, and left shockingly mangled in the high^yay. The 
infamy of this butchery should not fall upon the perpetrators 
alone. It must rest equally upon those who instigated them 
to hostility, by whose side they fought, who were able, and 
"vyere bound by a solemn engagement, to restrain them. That 
they did not is the more indefensible, as General Harrison, 
always distinguished for his humanity, exerted himself, on all 
occasions and effectually, to restrain his exasperated soldiers, 
and the Indians who had joined him, from committing acts of 
barbarity. 

The battle and massacre at Frenchtown clothed Kentucky 
and Ohio in mourning. Many of their distinguished citizens, 
and many of their promising young men, there met death, but 
found not a grave. Other volunteers, indignant at the treachery 
and cruelty of their foes, hastened to the aid of Harrison. His 
army had been weakened, and hia plan of the campaign de- 
ranged, by the proceedinga of Winchester, which were without 
his orders, and contrary to his views. Not waiting for rein- 
forcements, he marched to the Rapids of the JVfiami, and there, 
near the river's bank, he fortified hia camp, which he called 
Fort Meigs, in honour of the governor of Ohio. Near the last 
of June, it was invested by a large number of Indians, and by 
a party of British troops from Maiden, the whole commanded 
by Colonel Proctor. On the 1st of May, a cannonade was 
opened upon the fort. 

General Clay, at the head of twelve hundred Kentucky 
troops, arjived near the rapids on the morning of the 5th of 



THE UNITfiP STATES, ^|| 

May. He was met by a messenger from Harrison, who com-» 
municated to him his orders. Dividing his force into two 
partij's, he sent one of them, consisting of about eight hundred 
men, under the command of Colonel Dudley, to attack the 
enemy's batteries on the side of the river opposite the fort; 
the other he led himself against those near to it. He succeeded, 
by the aid of a sally from the besieged, in fighting his way 
into the fort. Colonel Dudley, making an impetuous onset, 
drove the enemy from their works. His troops, supposing the 
victory complete, and disregarding the orders of their com- 
mander, dispersed into the woods. The enemy, nieeting, in 
their flight, a large body of Indians coming to aid the besiegers, 
returned, and obtained an easy victory. About fifty were 
killed ; a large number were made prisoners ; some crossed 
the river to the fort ; and others fled to the nearest settle- 
ments. The enemy sustained considerable loss. 

The fort continued to be defended with bravery and skill 
The Indians, unaccustomed to sieges, became weary and dis- 
contented. On the 8th of May, notwithstanding the entreatieil 
of their chief, Tecumseh, they deserted their allies. On the 
9th, the enemy, despairing of success, made a precipitate re- 
treat. (General Harrison, leaving (ieneral Clay in command, 
returned to Ohio for reinforcements ; but in this quarter acti\ e 
operations were not resumed until a s([uadron had been built 
and prepared for action on Lake Erie. 

On the northern frontier of the United States, the JiritLsti 
and American forces were stationed near to each other, the St. 
Lawrence only dividing them, and fre(pient conflicts between 
them, therefore, naturally took place. In the winter, small 
detachments were often sent across from Canada for the pur- 
pose of apprehending deserters. They found and arrested 
several, and, being in an enemy's country, committed depre- 
dations bpon the houses and other property of the inhabitants. 
In the beginning of February, INIajor Forsy the, who commanded 
at Ogdensburgh, retaliated by conducting a force of about two 
hundred men into Canada, and attacking Elizabeth town. He 
surprised the guard, took more than fifty prisoners, released 
from confinement sixteen deserters, and returned, without the 
loss of a man, hmgagmg with him public property of consider- 
able value. 

Soon after, movements in Canada indicated that an attack 
on Ogdensburgh was intended, and a small number of militia 
were called out to defend it. On the 21st, the place was at- 
tacked by ten or twelve hundred men, a much larger force 
than was expected. A brave resistance was made ; but the 
enemy obtained possession, and destroyed or carried away 
public and private property of great value. The loss of the 
Americans, in killed and wounded, was about twenty; a 



340 HISTORY OF 

larger number of the enemy suffered from the siire and steady 
aim of Forsythe's riflemen. 

At Sacket's Harbour, on Lake Ontario, a body of troops 
had been assembled under the command of General Dearborn, 
and great exertions were made, by Commodore Channcey, to 
build and equip a squadron, on that lake, sufficiently power- 
ful to contend with that of the enemy. By the 2oth of April, 
the naval preparations were so far completed that the general 
and seventeen hundred troops were conveyed across the lake 
to the attack of York, the capital of Upper Canada. 

On the 27th, an advanced i^arty, led by Brigadier General 
Pike, who was born in a camp, and bred a soldier from his 
birth, landed, although opposed, at the water's edge, by a 
superior force. After a short but severe conflict, the enemy 
were driven to their fortifications. I'he rest of the troops 
having landed, the whole party pressed forward, carried the 
first battery by assault, and were moving towards the main 
works, when the enemy's magazine blew up, with a tremen- 
dous explosion, hurling upon the advancing troops immense 
quantities of stone and timber. 

Numbers were killed ; the gallant Pike received a mortal 
wound ; the troops halted for a moment, but, recovering from 
the shock, again pressed forward, and soon gained possession 
of the town. Of the British troops, one hundred were killed,, 
nearly three hundred were wounded, and the same number 
made prisoners. Of the Americans, three hundred and twenty 
were killed and wounded, and nearl}-^ all of them by the ex- 
plosion of the magazine. The Hag- which waved over the fort 
was carried to the dyirig Pike ; at his desire, if was placed 
under his head, when with the smile of triumph on his lips, he 
expired. 

Having attained the object of the expedition, the squadron 
and troops returned to Sacket's Harbour. The wounded and 
prisoners being landed, and other troops taken on board the 
ships, they sailed for Fort George, on the River Niagara, at 
the head of the lake. The troops, consisting of about four 
thousand men, were commanded by General Dearborn. In the 
morning of the 27th of April, the advance, led by Colonel 
Scott, and consisting of five hundred men, 'landed, and was 
immediately followed by the brigade commanded by Genera! 
Boyd, then by those of Generals Winder and Chandler. The 
party led by Scott was exposed, on landing, to an incessant 
fire of musketry from twelve hundred regulars. It moved on 
without faltering ; and, as soon as Boyd's brigade had formed 
on the shore, the enemy fled, some to the woods, and some 
into the fort. A panic seized the garrison ; trains were laid 
to the magazines, and the works deserted. The Americans 
took possession; and Captain Hindman, entering first, was 



THE UNITED STATES. 341 

fortunately able to remove the match before the fire had reached 
the powder. In a few hours, Fort George, Fort Erie, and the 
other fortifications in the vicinity, received new masters. The 
I088 of the British was one hundred and eight killed, one hun- 
dred and sixty wounded, and six hundred prisoners ; of the 
Americans, thirty-nine killed, and one hundred and eight 
wounded. 

The remainder of the enemy retreated to the heights at the 
head of Burlington Bay. At his reciuest. General Winder was 
detached in pursuit. Having ascertained, on his march, that 
the British had received reinforcements, he sent back for ad- 
ditional troops ; and General Ciiandler was ordered to join 
him Avith his brigade. On the 5th of June, the two brigades, 
united, encamped on the bank of Stoney Creek. The enemy, 
then a few miles distant, considering their case almost hope- 
less, resolved to turn upon their pursuers, and attack them in 
the night. The sentinels were silently bayoneted ; the main 
guard, who must have been asleep, were i)assed ; but fortu- 
nately the Indians, when they arrived near some fires just 
abandoned, where tiie troops had cooked their supper, raised 
their usual yell, supposing the xYmericans were sleeping around 
them. This awoke the troops, who, having slept on their 
arms, discharged their pieces at the enemy standing in the 
light of the fires which Wfeid deluded them. But they soon re- 
tired into the darkness, which was intense ; and then no one 
knew where his enemy was, nor which was friend or foe. 
Several irregular conflicts took place, in which some were 
killed, and others wounded. General Chandler, intending to 
place himself at the head of his artillery, found himself in the 
midst of a British party, and was taken prisoner. A few- 
minutes afterwards. General Winder made the same mistake, 
and fared no better. Satisfied with the capture of these officers 
and about a hundred other prisoners, the enemy made a pre- 
cipitate retreat, losing, however, more than they had gained. 
The American forces were recalled by General Dearborn to Fort 
George. 

This misfortune Avas soon followed by another. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Boerstler, with about six hundred men, was sent to 
the Beaver Danis to disperse a body of the enemy stationed 
there to collect provisions and watch such of the Canadians 
as were friendly to the United States. He fell into an am- 
buscade, escaped, bravely fighting, to a position which he 
deemed safe, where he was surrounded and his whole party 
made prisonei»s. 

While this portion of the American troops were thus em- 
ployed in Canada, an attack was projected upon Sacket's Har- 
bour, from which post they had been withdrawn, and where a 
l^rge quantity of naval and military stores was deposited. 



342 HISTORY OF 

On the 27th of May, the tiring of alarm-guns, on board of ves- 
sels on the lake, gave notice of the approach of the enehiy ; 
and they were repeated on land, to call in the militia from the 
neighbouring towns. On the 28th, the enemy's squadron ap- 
peared before the harbour, and, on the same day. General 
Brown, of the Kew York militia, repaired to the place, and 
assumed the command. By his orders, a slight breastwork 
Was hastily thrown up, at the only place where the enemy 
could land. Behind this he placed the militia, and stationed 
the regulars, under Colonel Backus, a short distance in their 
rear. His whole force consisted of about a thousand men. 

On the morning of the 29th, one thousand British troops 
landed ft*om the sc^uadron, and advanced towards the breast- 
work. The militia had been ordered to reserve their fire until 
the enemy should approach so near that every shot could hit 
its object. But they iired much sooner, and then fled in con- 
fusion. Colonel Mills, in a vain attempt to rally them, was 
mortally wounded. The regulars under Colonel Backus met and 
fought the enemy with spirit; and General Brown, collecting 
a few of the scattered militia, fell upon their rear. In a short 
time, they retreated to their boats. Unfortunately, in the 
first part of the action, information was given to the com- 
mander of the navy-yard, that the Americans were defeated ; 
and he immediately set fire to the barracks and store -houses, 
which were consumed. General Brown, as a reward for his 
services, was appointed a brigadier in the regular army. 

For several months, no important event occurred on this 
frontier ; but the troops on neither side were inactive. In a 
skirmish, on the 8th of July, on the Canada side. Lieutenant 
Eldridge, a gallant and accomplished youth, commanding 
thirty men, was hurried, by his impetuosity, into the midst of 
a body of British and Indians. Fighting bravely, most of 
them were killed; the lieutenant and ten others were made 
prisoners, and never afterwards heard of. The certainty that 
their fate was horrible, exasperated, to a high degree, the Ame- 
rican troops and people ; and the commanding general no 
longer hesitated to engage Indians in the service of the United 
States, stipulating, however, that they should spare the utire- 
sisting and defenceless. 

Oh the llth,two hundred of the enemy crossed the Niagara, 
and attacked I3lack Rock ; but were driven back, losing nine 
of their men, and Colonel Bishop, their commander. On the 
28th, Commodore Chauncey conveyed Colonel Scott, With 
three hundred men, to York, where provisions and public pro- 
perty of considerable value were destroyed or brought away, 
and a part of the troops, made prisoners at the Beaver Dams, 
were released. 

On Lake Champlain, botti parties began to construct a naval 



THE UNITED BTATES. 343 

force ; but several barges and two small cruisers were, as ioon 
as built by the Americans, captured by the British. Becoming 
thus masters of the lake, they attacked Tlattsburg, then des- 
titute of the means of defence, burnt the public buildings and 
several stores belonging to individuals, and carried off great 
<iuaritities of private property. They also attacked S\Vanton, 
in Vermont, where they committed similar devastations. 

Meanwhile, upon the sea-coast, a distressing and predatory 
war was carried on, by large detachments from the powerful 
navy of Great Britain. One squadron, stationed in Delaware 
Bay, captured and burned every merchant vessel which came 
within its reach. The inhabitants of Lewiston, in the state of 
Delaware, having refused to sell provisions to the enemy, the 
village was bombarded, and several attempts were made to 
land, but they were defeated by the militia. 

Early in the spring, another and more powerful sfjuadron 
arrived in Chesapeake Bay. It was commanded by Admiral 
Cockburn, who, departing from the usual modes of honourable 
warfare, directed his efforts principally against unoffending 
citiej?, ahd peaceful villages. The farm-houses and gentlemen's 
seats near the shore were plundered, and the cattle driven 
atvay and wantonly slaughtered. Frenchtowri, Havre de 
Grace, Frederickstown, and Georgetown, were sacked and 
burned. Norfolk was saved from a similar fate by the deter- 
mined bravery of a shiall force stationed near Craney Island, 
in the harbour. A furious attack was made upon Hampton, 
which, notwithstanding the gallant resistance of its small gar- 
rison, was captured, and the inhabitants suffered all which a 
brutal and unrestrained soldiery could inflict. 

The ocean, in the mean time, had been the theatre of san- 
guinary conflicts, in which the victors gained untarnished 
laurels. Captain Lawrence, in the sloop-of-war .Hornet, dis- 
covering, in the neutral port of San Salvador, a British sloop- 
of-war of superior force, challenged her commander to meet 
hirti at sea. The challenge beitig declined, Captain Lawrence 
blockaded the port, until forced by a ship of the line to retire. 

Soon after, on the 22d of February, tile Hornet met the Bri- 
tish brig Peacock, of about equal force. A fierce combat en- 
sued. In less than fifteen minutes, the Peacock struck her co- 
lours, displaying, at the same time, a signal of distress. The 
victors hastened to the relief of the vanquished ; and the same 
strerigth which had been exerted to conquer, was now exerted 
to save. Their efforts were but partially successful. She sunk 
before all her crew could be removed, carrying down nine 
British seamen, and Ihree brave and generous Americans. In 
the battle, the loss of the Hornet was but one killed and two 
wounded ; the Peacock and her captain and four men killed, 
and thirty-three wounded. 



344 HISTORY OF 

On his return to the United States, Captain Lawrence was 
appointed to the command of the frigate Chesapeake, of thirty- 
eight guns, then in the harbour of Boston. She had acquired 
the reputation of an unlucky ship — an important circumstance 
with seamen ; her crew were ill assorted and disaffected, and 
among them was a Portuguese, the boatswain's mate, who 
was particularly troublesome. For several weeks, the British 
frigate Shannon, of equal force, but having a selected crew, 
had been cruising before tbe port ; and Captain Brooke, her 
commander, had announced his wish to meet and fight the 
Chesapeake. It is not known that this challenge came to the 
knowledge of Captain Lawrence ; but on the 1st of June, as 
soon as the Chesapeake was ready, the Shannon being then in 
eight, she left the harbour. 

Towards evening of the same day, they met and engaged 
with unexampled fury. The fire of both frigates was tremen- 
dous and skilful. In a few minutes, and in quick succession, 
the commander of the Chesapeake was killed ; Captain Law- 
rence and three lieutenants were severely wounded ; the rig- 
ging was so cut to pieces, that she fell on board the Shannon ; 
her chest of arms blew up ; Captain Lawrence received ano- 
ther and mortal wound, and was removed from the deck: and 
the boatswain's mate, followed by many others, ran below. — 
At this instant, the Chesapeake was boarded from the Shan- 
non, and eveiy officer above the rank of midshipman being killed 
or wounded, her flag, in fifteen minutes after the commence- 
ment of the action, was struck by the enemy. 

That fortune favoured the Shannon cannot be doubted. That 
the effect would have been the same had fortune favoured nei- 
ther, is rendered probable by the astonishing effect of her fire. 
This unexpected defeat impelled the Americans to seek for 
circumstances consoling to their pride ; and in the journals of 
the day, attended the action. But nothing could allay their 
grief at the fall of the youthful and intrepid Lawrence. His 
p/evious victory and magnanimous conduct had rendered him 
the favourite oi" the nation, and he was lamented with sorrow 
deep, sincere, and lasting. When carried below, he was asked 
if the colours should be struck. "No," he replied, ''they 
shall wave while I live." When the fate of the ship was de- 
cided, his proud spirit was broken. He became delirious from 
excess of mental and bodily suffering. Whenever able to 
speak, he would exclaim, " JDon't give up the ship!" — an ex- 
pression consecrated by his countrymen; and he uttered but 
few other words during the four days that survived his defeat. 

The victory was not achieved without loss. Of the crew of 
the Shannon, twenty-four were killed, and fifty-six wounded ; 
of that of the Chesapeake, forty-eight were killed, and nearly 
one hundred wounded. Great was the exultation of the 



THB UNITED STATES. 345 

enemy. Victories over the frigates of other nations were oc- 
currences too common to excite emotion ; but the capture of 
an American frigate was considered a glorious epoch in the 
naval history of Great Britain. The honours and rewards 
bestowed upon Captain Brooke were such as had never before 
been received but by the conqueror of a squadron. These de- 
monstrations of triumph were inadvertent confessions of Ame- 
rican superiority; and were, to the vanquished themselves, 
sources of triumph and consolation. 

The next encounter at sea was between the American brig 
Argus and the British brig Pelican. The latter was of supe- 
rior force, and was victorious. Soon after, the American brig 
Enterprise, commanded by Lieutenant Burrows, captured the 
British brig Boxer, commanded by Captain Blyth. These ves- 
sels were of about equal force ; but the greater effect of the 
fire of the Enterprise furnished to the Americans another proof 
of the superior skill of their seamen. Both commanders were 
, killed in the action, and were buried, by each other's side, in 
Portland. 

The cruise of Captain Porter, in the frigate Essex, of thirty- 
two guns, which continued during the whole of this year, was 
distinguished for the boldness of its plan, and the bravery and 
perseverance displayed in the course of it. He left the United 
States in October, 1812, a few days after the departure of 
Commodore Bainbridge, in the Constitution, and was directed 
to seek him at several designated stations, on the eastern coast 
of South America. If he found him at either, he was to cruise 
under Iiis orders ; if not, he was left at liberty to act according 
to his discretion. On the 12th of December, after crossing the 
equator, he captured the British packet Nocton, of ten guns, 
having on hoard fifty-live thousand dollars in specie. On the 
29th, he to(>k a merchant vessel ; and, learning that she had 
sailed in onnpany with five others, he went in pursuit of them. 
Being thus delayed, he did not arrive at the last designated 
station, until Captain Bainbridge, having captured the Java, 
h^r] (l--;,ated for home. 

Ho now resolved to double Cape Horn, and cruise in the 
Pacific Ocean. He knew that the British had many whale 
ships in that sea, which might be captured, and the Americans 
many that ought to be protected. If successful, he could live 
upon the enemy ; if he found no enemy, the funds he had already 
obtained would support him. In two months, after encoun- 
tering tempests of unusual severity, he entered the harbour of 
Valparaiso, on the western coast of the continent. He there 
found an American whale shi)), and learned that many others 
were abroad in the Pacific, at the mercy of those of the enemy, 
most of which were armed, and commissioned as privateers, 
p 5 



3i$ fifSTORf <>r 

Captain Porter imtnediately proceeded on his cruise. In a 
few days, he took a Peruvian privateer, and released tM¥o 
American vessels, which she, supposing that Spain, then de- 
pendent on England, had also declared war against the United 
States, had captured. In April, he took three prizes, and, 
with the means they aflPorded, in the midst of the Pacific, fitted 
up one of them as a cruiser, carrying sixteen guns, repaired 
bis own ship, and replenished his stores. Continuing to cruise, 
he ca]itured nine other vessels, some of which, not having men 
to put on board of them, he dismantled and restored ; some he 
sent home ; and others he fitted up as cruisers, thus increasing 
his own force to a respectable squadron. In the whole, he 
captured four thousand tons of shipping, and made nearly four 
hundred prisoners ; and but for his presence in that sea, mOst 
erf the American whale ships would have fallen into the power 
of the enemy. 

In December, having learned that the Phebe, of thirty-six 
guns, had been sent in pursuit of him, he repaired to Valpa- 
raiso, presuming he should there find his antagonist. She came 
soon after, but brought with her the Cherub, of twenty guns. 
These, with the Essex and Essex Junior, remained for some 
time at anchor in the harbour, in which, being a neutral port, 
the laws of nations forbade any conflict. The English ships 
then went to sea, and cruised for six weeks in the vicinity. — > 
During this time, Captain Porter made many efforts to bring 
on an action between the Essex and the Phebe ; but the latter 
declined any contest, unless aided by her consort. Being in- 
formed that other British ships were expected, he determined 
to make his escape. While sailing out of the harbour, a sf juall 
carried away his main topmast. Not being able, in the crip- 
pled state of his ship, to return to the common anchorage, ha 
placed her in another part of the harbour, where she was as 
much under the protection of the law of nations as before. — 
Thns situated, the Phebe and Cherub approached, and attacked 
her. She returned the fire with spirit, and compelled them to 
retire and repair damages. Returning, they took a position 
where they could use their long guns, and the Essex only her 
carronades, the shot from which did not reach them. Caj)tain 
Porter then bore down upon his antagonists, and, for a few 
minutes, the firing ou both sides was tremendous. The slaugh- 
ter on board the Essex was horrible. At one gun, fifteen men, 
or three entire crews, were killed or wounded. Yet the Bri- 
tish ships bore away, to place themselves beyond the reach of 
her carronades, still keej)ing her within reach of their long 
guns. After attempting in vain to take a new position, and 
then to run his ship on shore, exposed all the time to the fire 
of the enemy. Captain Porter struck his flag. He would have 



THE UNITED STATES. ^47 

been fully justified, had he tempered his bravery with discre- 
tion, and surrendered at an earlier period of the battle. 

The crew of the Essex consisted of two hundred and hfty 
five men. Of these, fifty-eight were killed, sixty-six were 
wounded, and thirty-one were missing, the latter bemg 
drowned in attempting to swim to the shore. The Phebeand 
Cherub lost but five killed and ten wounded. The prisoners 
were sent home in the Essex .Tunior,and on their arrival were, 
without being exchanged, discharged from their parole by the 
assent of the British commissary of prisoners. 

Not in public ships only was displayed the gallantry ot 
American seamen. A large number of privateers were fitted 
out, seeking riches chiefly, but not unmindful of the glory ot 
victory. Many were signally successful m capturing rich 
prizes ; but the general belief that Providence blesses not 
wealth so acquired was strengthened by the quickness with 
which it vanished, having fixed upon its possessor habits of 
extravagance, and leaving behind it the love of pleasure which 
could no longer be gratified. Sometimes, in their search for 
merchantmen, they met with hostile privateers, or public 
ships-of-war, and then they showed themselves worthy ot the 
flag which waved over them. In August, the American pri- 
vateer Decatur, mounting seven guns, and manned with one 
hundred and three men, fell in with the British schooner Domi- 
nica, of sixteen guns and eighty-three men. For two hours, the 
two ships continued manwuvring and firing, ^^^ Decatur seek- 
ing to board her antagonist, and she to escape. At length the 
former was placed in such position that a part of her crew 
passed, upon the bowsprit, into the st^rn of the latter. I he 
firing, on both sides, from cannon and musketry, was now 
terrible. In a short time, the two ships ^«f ^J" ^«"^«^^!^ 
broadside to broadside, and the remainder of the Decatur s 
crew rushed upon her enemy^s deck. Fire-arms were thrown 
aside and the men fought hand to hand, using cutlasses and 
Trowing shot. Nearly all the officers of the Dominica being 
killed her flag was hauled down by the conquerors. Of her 
crew of eighty-three, sixty were killed or wounded ; of tlmt 
of the DecLr, but nineteen. The next day, ihe latter cap- 
?ured a merchantman, laden with a val-^^ cargo, and con- 
ducted both prizes into the harbour of Charleston. 
*^ The blockade of our ports, the occupation of «-j-/^^«'^;;: 
and the depredations committed on our coasts, brought to re- 
cXctionthe invention of Bushnell, which had been unsuc- 

"p At the tat seemon of congress, an act was passed de- 



348 HISTORY OF 

daring it lawful to use torpedoes, and offering to any one who 
should, by the use of Ihem, destroy a British vessel, one half 
the value of it, as a reward. In Jiily, several attempts were 
made by individuals to place one under the Plantagenet, a 
British ship of the line at anchor in Lynnhaven Ba)\ All were 
frustrated by the vigilance of the sentinels; but, on the last 
trial, one was so placed as to explode near the ship. It threw 
up, to a great height, a column of water fifty feet in circum- 
ference. Much of it fell on (he ship, which rolled into the 
4;hasm produced by the disjjlacement of the water, and was 
]iearly upset. Other attempts vrere made; and, although 
none were successful, yet the constant dread of the lurking 
danger compelled the enemy to be cautious in their move- 
ments, and in choosing their stations, and considerably di- 
minished the efficiency of their naval force on our coasts. 
They, and even f.'o>me of our own citi/eus, condemned, in 
{Strong terms, the use of these secret instruments of destruc- 
tion, as diijhonourable in Avar; but failed to show why it was 
more so than the resort to surprises, ambushes, and mines. 

The events of the war again call our attention to the north- 
western froiitier. "While each nation was busily employed in 
equipping a squadron on Lake Erie, General Clay remained in- 
active at Fort Meigs. About the last of July, a large number 
o^' British and Indians appeared before the fort, hoping to en- 
tice the garrison to a general action in the field. After wait- 
ing a few days Avithout succeeding, they decamped, and pro- 
ceeded to Fort Stephenson, on the River Sandusky. This fort 
was little more than a picketing surrounded by a ditch ; and 
the garrison consisted of one hundred and sixty men, who 
were commanded by Major Croghan, a youth of twenty- 
one. On the 1st of August, it was invested by five hundred 
legulars and eight hundred Indians. 

After a cannonade, Avhich continued two days, the enemy, 
in the evening, sujiposing a breach had been made, advanced 
to assault the m orks. Anticipating this, Major Croghan had 
planted a six pounder, the only piece of cannon in the fort, in 
a position to enfilade the ditch. It was loaded with grape- 
shot and slugs, and was discharged the instant the assailants 
arrived before it. An incessant fire of musketry was also 
poured upon them by the soldiers behind the pickets. The 
British commander and many of his men were killed, and many 
others severely Avounded. The remainder, in haste and dis- 
order, retreated to their former position, and at daAvn of day 
retired to Maiden. The youthful Croghan, for his valour and 
good conduct, Avas promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colo- 
nel. He and his brave companions received the thanks of con- 
gress ; and, to evince their respect for his virtues, the ladies 
of Chillicothe presented to him an elegant sword. 



V 



THE UNITED STATES. 349 

In the mean time, by the exertions of Commodore Perry, an 
American 8(iuadron had been prepared for service on Lake 
Erie. It consisted of nine wmall vessels, all carrying fifty- 
four guns. A British S([uadron had also been builtand Rt[uipped, 
under the sui)erintendcnce of Commodore Barclay. It consisted 
of six vessels, mounting sixty-three guns. 

Commodore Perry, immediately sailing, oflTered battle to his 
adversary. On the lOth of September, tlie British commander 
having the wind in his favour, left the harbour of Maiden, to 
accept the offer. In a few hours, the wind shifted, giving the 
Americans the advantage. Perry, Ibnning the line of battle, 
hoisted his Hug, on which were inscribed the words of the 
dying Lawrence — *' Don't give up the ship." Loud huzzas 
Irom all the vessels proclaimed the animation with which this 
motto inspired tlieir patriotic crews. 

About noon, the tiring commenced ; but, the wind being 
light, the Lawrence, the commodore's flag shi}), was the only 
American vessel that could, at first, engage in close action. 
For two hours, she contended alone with two vessels, each 
nearly her ei^ual in force. All but seven of her crew were 
either killed or wounded ; and she, by the damage she had re- 
ceived, was rendered wholly unmanageable. Leaving her, 
Commodore Perry, i)roceeding in an open boat through the 
midst of the fire, transferred the flag to the Niagara, which, 
the wind having increased, was approaching the enemy. Soon 
after, the colours of the Lawrence were struck; the British 
gave tl'.ree cheers, supposing the victory gained ; and, for a 
few minutes, both pai ties ceased firing. The wind continuing 
to increase, Captain Ferrj' made signal for close action. This 
order was recei\'ed with three cheers, and was obeyed ^vith 
alacrity. 1 he Niagara was placed within half pistol tiihot of 
her antagonists, and the other vessels soon came to her assist- 
ance. The fire was incessant and tremendous; and the shrieks 
from the enemy proved that its effect was terrible. In twenty 
minutes, a cry wat; heard tliat the enemy had struck ; and, 
when the smoke cleared away, an officer of one of the British 
ships Avaa seen waviug a white handkerchief. At four o'clock, 
the brave and fortunate Perry despatched to General Harrison 
thifi hiconic ejjistle : " AVe have met the enemy and they are 
Qujs — two ships, two bri^s, one schooner, and one sloop." 

Great was the joy which this brilliant victory occasioned 
throughout the Union. That it Avas achieved over a superior 
force ; that it was the first ever gained over a squadron ; that 
it was entirely decisive; that it opened the way to the reco- 
very of all that had been lo.-^t by tlie defeat of General Hull,— 
were circumstances whieli threw e\ery other victory into the 
shade, and cast the brightest lustre upon the characters of the 
iieroes who hud gained it. At every place th^it he visited, the 



3^6 " HISTORY OF 

gallant Perry received the most flattering proofs of a nation's 
gratitude and love. 

As soon as General Harrison, who had been joined by Go- 
vernor Shelby with a large body of Kentucky militia, received 
intelligence of this victory, he hastened to the lake, and was 
conveyed by the vessels to Maiden. The British commander, 
anticipating this movement, had abandoned that place, which, 
on the 28th of September, was occupied, without opposition, 
by the American army. 

General Harrison soon set out in pursuit of the enemy, and 
was accompanied by Commodore Perry as his volunteer aid. 
He proceeded to Sandwich, and there learnt that his adversary 
was posted on the right bank of the river Thames, about sixty 
miles distant. He hastened to that river, ascended it, and, on 
the .5th of October, came within view of the fugitives, then 
near the Moravian villages, and drawn up, across his line of 
march, in the woods. They amounted to about two thousand 
in number, of whom from one thousand to one thousand five 
hundred Were Indians. His force consisted of rather more 
than three thousand men, mostly volunteer militia from Ken- 
tucky, commanded by Governor Shelby, one regiment of which 
was mounted, and led lay Colonel .Johnson. This regiment 
being drawn up in front, the order was given to advance upon 
the enemy's left, consisting of regular troops. On receiving 
their fire, the volunteers rushed to the charge with such impe- 
tuosity that a part of them broke through the British line, and 
then, wheeling round, poured a destructive fire upon the rear. 
In a few minutes, tlie victory oyer this wing was complete, 
with no other loss than three Americans wounded. 

Upon the other wing, the battle was more furious and san- 
guinary. There the Indians, commanded by Tecumseh, were 
posted. They sprang to the attack with savage ferocity, and 
the first shock was bravely sustained by the opposing flank of 
the mounted infantry, where Colonel Johnson had stationed 
himself. The infantry on foot, outflanking those mounted, at 
first recoiled ; but soon recovering, and Governor Shelby com- 
ing to their aid, the Indians fled. Of the enemy, nineteen 
whites were killed, fifty were wounded, and about six hun- 
dred, nearly the whole, made prisoners. Of the savages, one 
hundred and twenty were left dead on the field, of whom one 
was Tecumseh, the bravest, ablest, and most magnanimous 
of Indian chieftains. Among the trophies of victory were 
several cannons cajitiired at Saratoga, surrendered at Detroit, 
and now recaptured. The American loss in killed and wounded 
was fifty. 

The result of this victory was, the recovery of all the terri- 
tory of the United States which had been surrendered by Gene- 
ral Hull, and peace with the numerous tribes of north-western 



THE UNITED STATES. 35l 

Indians. General Harrison, leaving General Cass in command 
at Detroit, and permitting a portion of the volunteers to re- 
turn home, again embarked with the remainder of his troo])a, 
on board the vessels, and, on the 24th, arrived at Buffalo, thus 
increasing the strength of the army of the centre. Shortly 
afterwards, he returned to (Jhio, and there continued to offi- 
ciate as commander of the military district, embracing all the 
territory north-west of the river of that name. 

Previous to the events just related, General Dearborn, in 
consequence of severe indisposition, was withdrawn from ac- 
tive service, and General Wilkinson appointed to command 
the army of the centre, which comprised about seven thousand 
men. Having received orders, from the secretary of war, to 
descend the St. Lawrence and attack Montreal, he directed 
the scattered detachments to assemble at Grenadier Island, on 
Lake Ontario. Such were the difficulties attending the con- 
centration of the troops, and such, perhaps, the want of vigour 
in the commander, that the flotilla, upon Avhich they embarked, 
did not get under way until the FAh of November. 

I'heir progress was impeded by parties which the enemy, at 
every convenient position, had stationed on the Canada shore. 
To disperse these, a body of troops, under the command of 
General Brown, was landed, and directed to march in advance 
of the boats. At Chrystler's Fields, on the 11th of November, 
a body of the enemy, of equal force, was encountered. In the 
battle which ensued, both fought with resolute bravery, and 
both claimed the victory. The loss of the Americans was 
greatest ; but they drove the enemy from their position, and 
enabled the flotilla to pass unmolested. 

The next day, it arrived at St. Regis. At this place. General 
Hampton, who commanded the troops at Plattsburgh, had been 
ordered to meet the main army, and no doubt had been enter- 
tained of his disposition and ability to comply with the order. 
But here General Wilkinson, to his surprise and mortification, 
was informed that the contem])lated junction would not take 
place. The project of attacking jMontreal was abandoned, 
and the army under AVilkinson, marching to French iMills, there 
encamped for the winter. 

This abortive issue of the cami)aign occasioned murmurs 
throughout the nation. The causes which led to it have never 
been fully developed. Tlie severest censure fell upon Cieneral 
Armstrong, who was secretary of war, and upon (ieneral 
Hampton. The latter soon after resigned his commission in 
the army, and (Jeneral Izard was selected to command the 
post at Plattsburgh. 

But after the close of the campaign, disastrous events hap- 
pened on the northern frontier. When the main army de- 
scended the St. Lawrence, to attack Montreal, an inade<iuate 



352 HISTORY OF 

force was left iu Fort George, under the command of General 
M'Clure. Receiving intelligence that the enemy were ap- 
proaching him, he, on the 10th of December, removed the 
stores, destroyed the fort, and withdrew to iho south side of 
the Niagara. * He had been authoiized to set lire to the village 
of Newark, situated near, should it become necessary iu de- 
fending the fort when assaulted. Transcending, perhaps mis- 
conceiving, his orders, he, on leaving Canada, after giving no- 
tice to the inhabitants, set it on fire, and several buildings 
were consumed. This act was immediately disavowed and 
censured by the government. 

Fort Niagara, on the south side of the river, was, at this 
time, garrisoned by about three hundred troops, under the 
command of Captain Leonard. Early in the morning of the 
19th, the captain being culpably absent, a British party crossed 
the river, and entered the fort before the troops within it were 
aware of their approach. Sixty-five were killed, fifteen 
wounded, all by the bayonet; and the remainder made pri- 
soners. Detachments were sent to Lewiston, Manchester, 
and Youngstown, where many houses and much property 
were burnt and several people killed. On the 30th, another 
party lauded at Black Rock, and marched to Buflalo, which 
was reduced to ashes. A large extent of frontier was made 
desolate, and many thousands of the inhabitants fled to distant 
places for safety, suflfering, in their flight, at this inclement 
season, the extremity of wretchedness. 

In the progress of our narrative, some events have been 
passed over a\ hich will now be related. In the early part of 
this year, the Emj)eror of Russia oflered his mediation to the 
two powers at war. On the part of the United States, the 
offer was promptly accej)ted, and Messrs. Adams, Gallatin, 
and Bayard, weie appointed commissioners to negociate, at 
St Petersburgh; a peace under the proffered mediation. 

On the 21th of May, congress was convened by proclama- 
tion of the president. Laws were enacted imposing a direct 
tax of three millions of dollars; authorizing the collection of 
various internal duties ; providing for a loan of seven and a 
half million^' of dollars ; and prohibiting the merchant vessels 
of the Uuited States from sailing under British licenses. 
Near the close of the session, a committee, appointed to inquire 
into the subject, made a long report upon the spirit and man- 
ner in which the Avar had been conducted by the enem3\ 
IMany proofs were presented of shameful departures from the 
rules of warfare observed by civilized nations. 

In September, Commodore Chauncey made two cruises upon 
Lake Ontario, and repeatedly offered battle to the enemy's 
squadron, which was superior in force ; but Sir James Yeo, 
the British commander, intimidated by the result of the battltj 






THE UNITED STATES. 353 

on Lake Erie, retired before him. On one occasion, however, 
in a running fight, his shii)« sustained considerable injury. In 
the same month, Captain Rodgers, commander of the frigate 
President, returned from a long cruise, in which he visited the 
north seas, and made a circuit around Ireland. He captured 
eleven merchantmen and an armed schooner; escaped trom 
several ships of the line ; but had no opportunity ot contend- 
ing with any ship-of-war of less force. ^^, ^^ . . ,. 

The Indians at the southern extremity of the Union had im- 
bibed the same hostile spirit as those a! the north-western. 
They had been visited by Tecumseh, and by his eloquence, 
persuded, that the Great Spirit re.piired tbem to unite and at- 
tempt the extirpation of the whites, and had promised them 
victory as the reward of their exertions. In the fal of 181 2, 
a cruel war was carried on, by the Creeks and feeminoles, 
against the frontier inhabitants of Georgia. General Jackson, 
at the head of two thousand five hundred volunteers from 
Tennessee, marched into the ('ountry ot the Indians They 
overawed by his presence, desisted for a time from hostility 
but, after his return, their animosity burst forth with increased 

"""DreSinT their cruelty, about three hundred men, women, 
and children, sought safety in Fort Mimms in the Tensaw 
settlement. Although frequent warnings of an ^"fended at- 
tack had been given them, yet, at noonday, on the JO th of 
August, they were surprised by a party of six hundred Indi- 
ans^ wl o with axes cut their way into the fort, and drove the 
people into the houses which it enclosed. To the«f they set 
fire. Many persons were burned, and many billed by the 
tomahawk.^ Only seventeen escaped to carry the horrid tidings 
to the neighbouring stations. rvnornl Tack- 

The whites resolved on vengeance. Again General Jack 
son at the head of three thousand five hundred ijilitm of 
Tennessee marched into the southern wilderness A detach- 
nS under General Coffee -countering at Tallushatc^e^ 
bodv of Indians, a sanguinary conflict ensued. ine lauer 
Sit w!th desperation, neither giving nor receiving .luarter, 

""^l^T:nL:g::'a;;S^ar^:rL m which t^ree 

hvmdred ndian^ perished. The rest of the party, exceeding 
«pven himXTfied. General .Jackson's provisions being ex- 



354 illsTORt OF 

posted. To several akirmishes succeeded a general battle, in 
which the whites were victorious, but sustained considerable 
loss. For the relief of the wounded, Jackson returned to Fort 
Strother, were the volunteers were discharged. General 
White from East Tennessee, and (xeneral Floyd from Georgia, 
led separate expeditions against the Indians, and Avere victo- 
rious in every combat. .So enraged were the savages, that 
but few would accept of (juarter or seek safely in retreat. 

Yet still was the spirit of the C'jeeks unsubdued, and their 
faith in victory unshaken. "With no little sagacity and skill, 
they selected and fortified another position on the Tallapoosa, 
called by themseles Tohopeka, and by the whites Horse-shoe 
Bend. Here nearly a thousand warriors, animated with a 
lierce and determined resolution, were collected. Three thou- 
sand meii, commanded by General Jackson, marched to attack 
this post. To prevent escape, a detachment, under General 
Coffee, encircled the Bend. The main body, keeping within 
it, advanced to the fortress. For a few minutes, the opjmsihg 
forces were engaged, rtiuzzle to muzzle, at the port-holegi. 
Soon the troops, leaping over the walls, mingled witli the sav- 
ages. 'Bie combat was furious and sanguinary. The Indians, 
fleeing at length to the river, beheld the troops on the opposite 
biink. Returning, they fought with increased fury and despe- 
ration, and contmued to resist until night. Six hundred War- 
riors \Vere killed ; four only yielded themselves prisoners; the 
rellKiining three hundred escaped. Of the whites, tifty-five 
were killed, and one hundred and forty-six were Wounded. 

It was expected that another stand would be made, by the 
Indians, at a place called the Hickory Ground. General jack- 
soii marched thither in April. The principal chiefs cariie out 
to meet him, and among them was "Wetherford, a half-blood, 
distinguished equally for his talents and cruelty. "1 am in 
your power," said he; "do with me what you please. I 
commanded at Fort Mimms. I have done the white people 
all the harrii I could. I have fought them> and fought therti 
bravely. There was a time when I had a choice; I have 
none now ; even hope is ended. Once I could animate my 
warriors ; but I cannot animate the dead. They can no longer 
hear my voice ; their bones are at Tallushatchie, Talladega, 
Etnuckfaw, and Tohopeka. While there was a chance of suc- 
cess, I ncA'er supplicated peace ; but my people are gone, and 
I now ask it for my nation and myself." Peace was conclud- 
ed, and the brave General Jackson and his troops enjoyed an 
honourable but short repose. 



THE UNITED StATKS. ^55 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1814, AND TERMINATION 
OP THE WAR. 

It will b(3 remembered that one of the causes, indeed the 

J principal cause, of the war was ilie impressment of seamen 
rotli American ships. Great Britain founded her claim to 
exercise this ])ractice upon a law of the old feudal system, 
once prevalent in most parts of Europe, that no person could 
ever release himself from the allegiance Avhich by birth he 
owed to his immediate lord, and of course to the sovereign of 
the country in which he was born; and that he was liabl6 to 
be seized by that sovereign wherever he might be found out of 
the territorial jurisdiction of any other nation. In exercising 
her pretended right, she paid no regard to the fact that her 
former subject had abandoned his native country, chosen an- 
other for his home, and being naturalized according to the 
laws there in force. Indeed, her officers, when they visited 
American ships in search of men, often impressed every one 
on board Avho could not prove by such evidence as they 
thought proper to recjuire, that he was a native citizen of the 
United States. If he was such, in fact, but had neglected to 
jjrocure the proof, or had lost it, or if he was a native of some 
European kingdom, he was taken to fight the battles of Great 
Britain ; the American flag not being regarded as any protec- 
tion to the men who sailed under it. The fact, that nearly 
two thousand impressed American seamen were, after the be- 
ginning of the war, discharged from British sliijjs, many of 
them, and perhaps all, after declaring their resolute determina- 
tion not to fight against their own couniry, will give some 
idea of the extent to which this abuse was carried. 

In sortie of the vessels taken by the enemy since the com- 
mencement of hostilities, were found seamen borne within her 
dominions. These were detained, not as prisoners of war, 
but as British subjects, and were sent to England to be tried 
for high treason; and twenty-three soldiers, who had been cap- 
tured at Queenston, were treated in the same manner. The 
United States, owing their existence to emmigration, holding 
themselves out as the asylum of the poor and oppressed of all 
nations, could not recognize the doctrine of barbarous and 
despotic ages, that no man could transfer his allegiance ; nor 
could tliey desert or neglect those to whom they had promised 
jjrotection, and who had encountered peril in their service- 
By the orders of the government, therefore, the same number of 
Bfitifeh seamen and soldiers were placed in strict confinement, 



356 HISTORY OP 

and notice was given that if any of those sent to England fo^ 
trial should be executed, the same number of those held, in 
confinement would be put to death. Sir George Provost, the 
commander-in-chief in Canada, then confined forty-six Amer- 
ican officers, and declared that their fate depended upon the 
fate of the British prisoners confined by the Americans. The 
Americans, therefore confined forty-six British, and Sir George, 
Provost forty-six other American officers. 

At the session of congress held in the winter of 1813-14, the 
subjects of perpetual allegiance and of retaliation were brought 
before congress. The result of an earnest and able debate was 
the determination of the government to maintain the position 
they had taken. Shortly afterwards. General Winder, one of 
the American officers confined in Canada, was permitted to 
return home on his parole, and the president granted the same 
indulgence to several of the British officers who had been con- 
fined ; and, in prccess of time, all who had been imprisoned as 
hostages were released. 

Suspicions, probably not entirely unfounded, were enter- 
tained that numerous British vessels on our coast derived 
their sup])lies from our own merchants. Some of them, it was 
believed, cleared out their vessels for foreign friendly ports, and, 
in pursuance of previous arrangements, disposed of their car- 
goes to the enemy ; or submitting to be captured and sent to 
Halifax, or some other port of the enemy, there sold their 
their goods for their own benefit. To prevent this, congress, 
upon the recommendation of the president, prohibited all ex- 
ports from the country. As this put a stop to all honest com- 
merce, the measure was virulently condemned by the mer- 
chants, and was exceedingly unpopular in the navigating states, 
especiall}^ in New England. Those who suffered from it de- 
nied that the instances of illegal traffic with the enemy were 
sufficiently numerous to justify this harsh expedient, involving 
the incent with the guilty ; and they attributed it to the hostil- 
ityof the administration to northern interests and to com- 
merce generally. It engendered in the breasts of a large portion 
of the people engaged in navigation excessive bitterness of 
feeling, and excited almost to frenzy the passions of many. 

By the strength of the opposition, and the Want of pecuniary 
means, the government were greatly embarrassed in the pro- 
secution of the war. Unfortunately, it was most unpopular in 
that portion of the Union where resources in men and monej'' 
v/ere most ample. But difficulties were felt only as incitements 
to greater activity and to sterner resolutions. To encourage 
enlistments, a bounty .of one hundred and twenty-four dollars 
was offered to recruits, and the president was authorized to 
borrow twenty-five millions of dollars, and to issue treasury 
notes to the amount of five millions. Grea,t difficully was ex,-> 



THE tJNITfiD STATES. 357 

perienced in obtaining money ; and the treasury notes, when 
used as a circulating medium, passed at a considorable dis- 
count. 

Before the termination of the session, a communication was 
received from the British government, declining to treat under 
the mediatioh of Russia, and proposing a direct negociation at 
London or Gottenburgh. The proposition was accepted by 
the American government, who chose Gottenburgh as the place 
of meeting, for which Ghent was afterwards substituted ; aud 
Henry Clay and Jonathan Russell were joined with the com- 
missioners already in Europe. Mr. Clay in consequence, re- 
linquished the situation of speaker in the house of repre- 
sentatives, and was succeeded by Langdon Cheves, of South 
Carolina. 

Early in the spring, the American army marched from French 
Mills : a part of the troops, under the command of General 
Wilkinson, proceeding to Plattsburgh, and the remainder, un- 
der General Brown, returning to Sack3t's Harbour. Near 
the last of March, General AVilkinson penetrated into Canada 
and attacked a body of the enemy, occupying a large stone 
mill, on the River La Cole. He was repulsed with considerable 
loss. This defeat detracted from his already diminished repu- 
tation. He Avas removed from command, and General Izard 
appointed to succeed him. For three months, the armies of 
both nations continued inactive. Meanwhile information was 
received of the stupendous events which had recently occurred 
in Europe. The emperor of France, having been arrested in 
his "■'ictorious career, and sustained defeat, was compelled to 
abdicate his throne, and retire to the island of Elba. Louis 
XVHL was proclaimed king; and Great Britain, at peace with 
all the world but the United States, was enabled to direct 
against them alone the immense force which had been employ- 
ed to crush her rival. She delayed not to use the advantages 
afforded by her good fortune. From the ports of conquered 
France, ships-of-war and transports, bearing veteran and vic- 
torious troops, sailed to the American continent, some destined 
to the Niagara frontier, and some to the Atlantic coast. 

These events could not be viewed with indifference by the 
American people. The friends of the administration anticipa- 
ted a severe conflict, and prepared for greater sacrifices and 
gerater sufferings. Its opposers were encouraged to make 
more vigorous efforts, to wrest the reins of autliority from men 
who, they asserted, had shown themselves incompetent to hold 
them. These efforts, although condemned by a great majority 
of the people, diminished in no slight degree the strength of 
the republic. , , , t. 

In the beginning of July, General Brown, who had been as- 
sidously employed in disciplining his troops, crossed the 



3li^ msxo^T OF 

Niagara, with three tliousaud men, and took jX)ssessiou with- 
out opposition, of Port Erie. In a strong position at Chip- 
pewa, a short distance above the falls, was intrenched an equal 
number of British troops, under the command of General Riall. 
General Brown determined to approach their works and offer 
them battle. Early in the morning of the 1th, General Scott 
advanced with his brigade, and was followed by General 
Brown, General Ripley, with his brigade, and field artillery, 
and General Porter's volunteers. The army was drawn up, in 
regular order, within two miles of the enemy, and remained in 
that position until the next day. 

Soon after sunrise, on the jth, the British marched to attack 
the Americans, (leneral Porter's volunteers were the first 
engaged: they sustained, for a time, the shock of troops 
superior in numbers and discipline, but ere long retreated ; 
General Scott's brigade and Towson's artillery met the pursu- 
ing enemy on the plains of Chippewa, where a severe action 
took place ; a daring movement made by INIajor Jessup, in the 
midst of a destructive fire, turned the scale in favour of the 
Americans ; the enemy gave waj', were hotly pursued, soon 
broke, and tied in disorder to their intrenchments. Their loss 
was five hundred and four ; that of the Americans, three huri- 
dred and twenty-eight. 

This decisive victory, in the first regular pitched battle of 
the war, achieved over a superior force, after so manyreverses, 
diffused joy throughout the nation, and was hailed as an omen 
of future success. The troops showed, by their conduct, that 
they had essentially improved in all warlike qualities ; and 
the officers engaged, particularly Scott, Jessup, Leavenworth, 
M'Neil, and Towson, displayed bravery and skill which called 
forth the high commendation of the commander-in-chief. Soon 
afterwards, General Riall, abandoning his works, retired, at 
fii-st to Queenston, and then to Burlington Heights. Brown 
followed him to Queenston, but afterwards fell back to Chip- 
pewa. Lieutenant-General Drummond, collecting all the 
troops in that region, joined General Riall, and the whole 
marched towards Chippewa. On the 25th, the two armies 
met at Bridgewater, near the Falls of Niagara, where was 
fought a desperate and most bloody battle. It began late in 
the afternoon, and continued until midnight. The moon, 
though often obscured, at times shone brightly. The roar of 
the falls was silenced by the thunder of cannon and the din of 
arms, but was distinctly heard, mingled with the groans of 
the dying, during the pauses of the fight. 

The action was a succession of engagements at diflerent 
positions. Against a superior force, the Americans, for several 
hours, contended with various success. During the first part 
of the engagement, they were sorely annoyed, into whatever 



THE VSlTEp HfA'tEH. ^59 

part of tlie tield they might drive the enemy or be driven, by 
the British artillery 8tationed on a commanding eminence, near 
Lundy's Lane. " Can you storm that battery?" said General 
Ripley to Colonel Miller. "I'll try, sir," was the laconic 
answer. Giving the word of command to his men, they, with 
steady courage, ascended the hill, advanced to the muvc/.les of 
the cannon, killed with the bayonet several artillery-men on 
the point of firing their pieces, and drove the remainder before 
them. 

Both i)arties were instantly reinforced, and the enemy made 
9 daring eifort to regain their cannon. They were repulsed, 
but (piickly repeated the attempt. Nearly all tlie op^josing 
forces gathered around (his position ; and to possess it was 
the sole object of both armies. Again the enemy were re- 
pulsed ; but again they renewed the effort. After a violent 
conflict, they were a third time driven from the hill. The firing 
then ceased ; the British troops were withdrawn ; and the 
Americans were left in (piiet possession of the field. 

Generals Brown and Scott having both been severely 
wounded, the command devolved upon (ieneral Ripley. He 
remained a few hours upon the hill, collected the wounded, 
and then returned unmolested to the camp. The number of 
the killed and wounded proves the bravery of the combatants 
and the severity of the conflict. On the American side, it was 
seven hundred and forty-three ; on the British, one hundred 
less ; and of the latter, one hundred and seventeen more were 
missing than of the former. The British, therefore, besides 
losing their position, sustained the greater loss of men ; and 
yet they claimed the victory. 

General Kipley found his force so much weakened, that he 
deemed it prudent again to occupy Fort Erie. It was not 
then in a defensible condition, but all the efforts in his power 
were applied to strengthen it. On the 4th of August, it was 
invested by General Drummond with five thousand troops. 
In defending it, no less bravery and skill were retpjisite, and 
no less were displayed, than in contending in the field. In 
the night between the 14th and l.jth, the besiegers made an 
assault upon the fort, which was repelled with conspicuous 
gallantry by the garrison, the former losing more than nine 
hundred men, the latter but eighty-four. 

The siege was still continued. On the 2d of September, 
General Brown, having recovered from his wounds, threw 
himself into the fort, and took command of the garrison. For 
their fate, great anxiety was felt by the nation, which was, 
however, in some degree, removed by the march from Platts- 
burghoffive thousand men to their relief On the 17th, a 
sortie was made bv the besieged, General Porter of the New 
York militia, and 'General Miller of the regular army, com- 



36^ HISTORY OF 

manding divisions. The braver}' of the troops equalled that 
which they had displayed in the recent coiitests. After an 
hour of close lighting, thoy returned io the Ibrt, having de- 
stroyed a large part of the enemy's works, and killed, wound- 
ed, and taken one thousand of the enemy. Their loss was 
severe, amounting to more than live hundred. 

On the 21st of September, the forty-ninth day of the siege, 
General Drummond withdrew his foi'ces, relieving the garrison 
from their toil, which had been incessant, and from their dan- 
ger, which had been encountered without fear. Seldom have 
troops deserved higher praise of their country. On the 9th 
of October, General I/ard arrived with the reinforcement from 
Plattsbnrgli, and, being senior officer, took the command. On 
the 18th, he marched, with his whole force, in pursuit of the 
enemy, whom he found at Chippewa, strongly posted in a 
fortified camp. After making several unsuccessful attempts 
to entice them into the field, he evacuated Canada, and placed 
his troops in winter quarters at Buffalo, Black Rock, and 
Batavia. 

In July, the enemy took possession of Eastport, on Moose 
Island, in Maine, declaring that they considered it a part of 
the British dominions. Great Britain had formerly claimed it 
as such ; but it had, by a board of commissioners, been ad- 
judged to belong to the United States. On the 1st of Septem- 
ber, between thirty and forty British vessels entered the mouth 
of the Penobscot, and took possession of Castine, claiming, as 
British territory, all the country east of that river, which 
Great Britain formerly contended was the true St. Croix> The 
expedition was conducted by the governor of Nova Scotia, 
who doubtless hoped that, whenever the war should close, 
this part of Maine would be retained by his sovereign. It had 
then been discovered that the only convenient route from 
Nova Scotia to Canada lay through the territory claimed. The 
United States frigate Adams, of twenty-eight guns, was then 
at Hampden, thirty miles above Castine, undergoing repairs. 
A detachment of the enemy, consisting of two armed vesssels, 
a transport, and barges, ascended the river to capture her. A 
few of the militia of the neighbourhood assembled to aid her 
crew in defending her ; but, after a short skirmish, finding the 
force they were contending v/ith superior to theirs, they spiked 
her guns, set her on tire, and fled. Abouty fifty of the enemy 
were killed or wounded ; on the American side, the loss was 
two, made prisoners. 

The march of the troops from Plattsburgh having left that 
post almost defenceless, the enemy determined to attack it by 
land, and, at the same time, to attempt the destruction of the 
American flotilla on Lake Champlaiu. On the .3d of Septem- 
ber, Sir George Prevost, the governor-general of Canada, with 



THE ONITKD SPATES. 361 

ail army of twelve thousand men, most of whom had served 
'in the wars of Europe, entered the territories of the United 
States. As soon as his object was ascertained, Brigadier- 
General Macomb, the commander at Tlattsburgh, called to his 
aid the militia of New York and Vermont, who, with alacrity 
and without distinction of party, obeyed the call. 

On the 6th, the enemy arrived at Plattsburgh, which is si- 
tuated near Lake Cham plain, on the northerly bank of the 
small river Saranac. On their approach, the American troops, 
who were posted on their opposite bank, tore up the planks 
of the bridges, with which they formed slight breastworks, 
and prepared to dispute the passage of the stream. Several 
attempts to cross it were made by the enemy ; but they were 
uniformly defeated. From this time until the 11th, the Bri- 
tish army were employed in erecting batteries, while the 
American forces were every hour augmented by the arrival of 
volunteers and militia. 

Early in the morning of that day, the British squadron, 
commanded by Commodore Downie, appeared off the harbour 
of Plattsburgh, where that of the United States, commanded, 
by Commodore M'Donough, lay at anchor, prepared for battle. 
The former, consisting of sixteen vessels, carried one hundred 
and fifteen guns, and was manned with upwards of a thou- 
sand men ; the latter, consisting ot fourteen vessels, carried 
one hundred and two guns, and was manned with tight hun- 
dred and fifty men. 

At nine o'clock the battle commenced. Seldom has the 
ocean witnessed a more furious encounter than now took place 
on the bosom of tliis transparent and peaceful lake. At the 
same moment, the enemy on land began a heavy cannonade 
upon the American lines, and attemi)ted, at ditferent })laces,to 
cross the Saranac. At a ford above the village the strife was 
hot and deadly. As often as the encMuy advanced into the 
water, they received a destructive tire from tlie militia ; and 
their dead bodies floated down the stream, literally crimsoned 
with blood. 

At half past eleven, the shout of victory, heard along the 
American lines, announced the result of the battle on the 
lake. A second British s(iuadron had yielded to the prowess 
of American seamen. The cry animated to braver deeds their 
brethren on the land. Fainter became the efforts of the ene- 
my. In the afternoon, thev withdrew to their intrenchments. 
In the night, they began a precipitate retreat, and had fled 
eight miles before their departure was known in the American 

^X^the battLe on the lake, the Saratoga, conmianded by 
M'Donough, and carrying twenty-two guns, was opposed to 



362 BISTOBY OF 

the Confiance, commanded by Downie, and canying thirtj'- 
aeven guns. Few ships in any engagement ever suffered more 
than these. By the first discharge of the Confiance, about 
forty on board the Saratoga were killed or wounded. In an 
hour and a half, nearly all the guns of each, on the side next 
her antagonist, were disabled ; and each attempted to veer, 
and bring her other guns to bear. M'Donough, presuming 
that he might wish to do so, had prepared for it, and suc- 
ceeded; Downie failed ; and, on receiving several broadsides 
from the fresh guns of the Saratoga, he struck his flag. Very 
soon afterwards, all the other vessels did the same ; but se- 
veral of the smallest afterwards escaped. The number of 
Americans killed and wounded was one hundred and ten ; 
that of the British, about two hundred. 

On land, the disproportion of loss was greater ; but there, 
the numbers engaged being considered, the battle was not so 
bloody. The total loss of the Americans was one hundred and 
nineteen. How many of the enemy were killed and wounded 
has never been ascertained. Their whole loss in the expedi- 
tion was estimated at twenty-five hundred ; but in this num- 
ber were included more than five hundred British soldiers, 
who, preferring to remain in America, deserted from the re- 
treating army. With these splendid victories closed the cam- 
paign on the northern frontier. 

On the ocean, the republican tiag maintained its high repu- 
tation. Victory was not always won ; but defeat never oc- 
curred attended with dishonour. It was in this year that the 
Essex, as before related, surrendered to the Phebe and Che- 
rub, whose united forces were much superior. In April, the 
American sloop Frolic, of eighteen guns, struck to the British 
frigate Orpheus, of thirty-six. In the same month, the Ame- 
can sloop Wasp, commanded by Captain Blakeley, captured 
the Reindeer and afterwards, in the same cruise, sunk the 
Avon ; the former of about equal, the latter of superior force. 
She made several other prizes, but never returned into port. 
Darkness rests upon her fate. The republic, with deep and 
sincere grief, mourned the loss of her gallant crew. 

The people of the Middle and Southern States, anticipating 
a great augmentation of the enemy's force, and uncertain 
where the blow would fall, made exertions to place every ex- 
posed position in a posture of defence. The citizens of New 
York displayed extraordinary activity and zeal. Philadelphia 
and Baltimore were supposed to be in less danger ; but addi- 
tions were made to their fortifications. For the protection of 
Washington, a military district, embracing ;Maryland, Colum- 
bia, and a part of Virginia, was established, and the command 
of it given to General Winder, of Baltimore. One thousand 



THC UmjEt> SIATES. ^^ 

regular troops were placed at his disposal, and he was au- 
thorized to call to his aid fifteen thousand militia. 

In the beginning of August, the expected reinforcements, 
consisting of many vessels of war, and a large number of 
troops, arrived in the Chesapeake from Europe. Of this force 
several frigates and bomb vessels were order to ascend the 
Potomac ; another division, under Sir Peter Parker, was di- 
rected to threaten Baltimore; the main body ascended the 
Patuxent as far as Benedict, where, on the 19th of August, 
five thousand men, commanded by General Ross, were landed. 

In the mean time. General Winder had called on the militia 
to repair to this standard. They were exceedingly remiss in 
obeying the call. On the 22d,not more than two thousand 
had assembled. At the head of these, and of one thousand 
regulars, he took a position not far from the enemy, intending 
to prevent their progress into the country. 

A particular account of the subsequent events will not be 
attempted. General Ross, marching through a scattered po- 
pulation, advanced towards Washington. The Americans re- 
tired before him. A stand was made near Bladensburgh. 
The militia fled on the approach of danger ; but a body of 
seamen and marines, commanded by Commodore Barney, not 
only maintained their ground, but compelled the enemy to 
give way. They rallied, however, immediately, outflanked 
the heroic band, put it to flight, and hastened forward. 

The retreating forces were ordered to assemble on the 
heights near the capital ; and there they were joined by a 
body of Virginia militia. Bat General Winder, considering 
his force too weak to oppose effectual resistance, retreated to 
the heights of Georgetown. Washington, thus left defence- 
less, was deserted by most of the citizens. 

On the 24tli, at eight o'clock in the eveniug, the enemy en- 
tered the city, and, at nine, the capitol, tho president's house, 
and many other buildings, were set on tire. Valuable libra- 
ries, works of taste, and elegant specimens of the fine arts, 
were consigned to destruction. On the evening of the next 
day, the enemy left the city, and returned unmolested to Bene- 
dict ; where, on the 3()th, they embarked on board the trans- 
ports. Their loss, during the incursion, including deserters, 
and such as died from latigue on the march, exceeded eight 
hundred. 

The capture of Washington reflected disgrace upon those by 
whom it ought to have been defended. The destruction of the 
national edifices attached a still darker stigma to the character 
of the enemy. The whole civilized world exclaimed against 
the act as a violation of the rules of modern warlare. The 
capitals of most of the European kingdoms had lately been in 
the power of an enemy ; but in no instance had the conqueror 



36^ HISTORY OP 

been guilty of similar conduct. An indignant spirit pervaded 
the republic. The friends of the government were not only in- 
creased in number, but felt an additional motive to exert all 
their faculties to overcome the enemy of their countiy. 

The squadron which, at the same time, ascended the Potomac, 
met with even less resistance that which ascended the 
Patuxent. As soon as it arrived at Alexandria, the citizens 
proposed a capitulation ; and the terms were speedily adjusted 
with the British commander. To purchase safety, they de- 
livered up all their shiping, all the merchandise in the city and 
all the naval and ordnance stores, public and private. With 
a fleet of prizes, loaded with a rich booty, the enemy returned 
immediately to the ocean. 

The success of the attack on Washington* encouraged Ge- 
neral Ross to undertake an expedition against Baltimore. On 
the 12thof Sepetember, he landed five thousand men on North 
Point, about fourteen miles from the city, to which he directed 
his march. Preparations for defence had already been made. 
The whole of the militia had been called into the field ; the 
aged and the rich had voluntarily entered the ranks and assist- 
ance had been obtained from Pennsylvania and Virginia. 

General Smith, who commanded the American forces, de- 
tached General Striker, with three thousand men to retard the 
progress of the enemy. The advanced parties met about eight 
miles from the city. In the skirmish which ensued. General 
Ross was killed. The invaders, however, under the command 
of Colonel Brooke, continued to advance, and soon met and at- 
tacked the detachment under Striker. One of the militia regi- 
ments gave way. This communicated a panic to the others, 
and the general fell back to the heights, where, behind breast- 
works hastily erected, the main body of the Americans awaited 
an attack. 

After landing the troops at North Point, the British fleet 
had sailed up the Petapsco, and bombarded Fort M'Henry and 
Fort Covington, which stand at the entrance into the harbour. 
The former was commanded by Major Armistead, the latter 
by Lieutenant Newcomb, of the navy. Both were gallantly 
defended ; the fleet was repulsed ; and the commander of the 
troops, finding that the naval force could afford no further assist- 
ance, retreated, on the 14th, to North Point, and the next day 
re-embarked. Soon after, the fleet left Chesapeake Bay, and 
part proceeded southward, to convey the troops to the theatre 
of future operations and of unprecedented slaughter. 

In the New England States, a majority of the people were, 
from the first, opposed to the war ; and as it restrained them 
from their most profitable pursuits, — commerce and the fish- 
eries, — their dissatisfaction continued to increase. They com- 
plained that their peculiar interests were disregarded, and that 



THE UNITED STATES. 365 

the government, employing elsewhere the resources drawn 
from New England, did not afford them that protection to 
which, as a part of the nation, they were entitled. The most 
zealous, therefore, recommended that not only the militia, but 
the revenue, should be retained at home, and employed for 
their own defence and protection. 

The general court of Massachusetts proposed that a con- 
vention of delegates, from the New England States, should 
assemble at Hartford to devise means to obtain redress of their 
grievances. To this proposition Connecticut and Rhode Is- 
land acceded. In December, the convention met, consisting 
of delegates from those states, appointed by their legislatures ; 
of two from New Hampshire, and one from Vermont, appointed 
at county meetings. Their sittings were secret. Upon their 
adjournment, they published an address to the people, in which, 
in bold and forcible language, they enumerated the measures 
of the national government supposed to be particularly detri- 
mental to the interests of New England, and of the commercial 
class of the nation, and proposed such amendments to the 
constitution as would prevent, in future, the adoption of 
similar measures. 

In the fall, congress were summoned to meet by the presi- 
dent. In his opening message, he stated that he had called 
them together that they might be ready to adopt measures 
adapted to peace, should peace be agreed on, which was pos- 
sible, or to provide means for carrying on the war with re- 
doubled energy, should Great Britain prefer to continue it. Of 
the progress of the negociation he had received no intelligence ; 
but he intimated that he expected no favourable result. In 
the adjustment of the affairs of Europe, by which her sovereigns 
had sought to restore to the continental nations an ecpailibrium 
of power, England had been left in possession of all her means 
of annoyance on the ocean ; and she had exhibited, in her late 
conduct, a disposition to use those means, in carrying on the 
war against us, in a more barbarous manner, and with more 
desperate purposes, than had before been indicated. " What- 
ever," he observed, "may have inspired the enemy with these 
more violent purposes, congress can never deliberate but on 
the means most effectual for defeating them." A terrible 
struggle was approaching, and the country must prepare to 

"^Tn justification of themselves for departing from the usual 
practice of civilized nations in carrying on war, by involving 
m its distresses quiet villages and citizens engaged in the arts 
of peace, the enemy offered reasons which justice to them re- 
quires should be stated. Under despotic and monarchical go- 
vernments, despots and kings declared war whenever they 
thought proper, often for insults to themselves, and for other 



366 HISTORY OV 

causes in which their people could feel no interest. In such 
cases, the contest was understood to be between kings and 
despots ; and they, and those who consented'to be'agents in car- 
rying it on, should be alone made tosuifer. In this case, the war 
was declared by a republic, in which the people governed ; 
they chose the representatives who declared it ; they partici- 
pated in the act, and it was but just and right that they should 
also participate in all its evils. 

On the 20th of October, despatches were received from the 
commissioners at Ghent, and immediately communicated to 
congress. They confirmed the worst anticipations of the pre- 
sident. Great Britain, rendered arrogant by her successes in 
Europe and at Washington, had demanded that the Indians in 
alliance with her during the war should be included in the 
pacification. This was in confonnity with the wishes of the 
United States. But she demanded, further, that all the terri- 
tory north-west of the line described in the treaty of Grenville, 
— which ran from the middle of Lake Erie south- westwardly 
to the Ohio, near the mouth of Kentucky River, and of course 
included a part of the state of Ohio, and all of Indiana, Illinois, 
and Michigan, — should be ceded and secured to them for ever ; 
both contracting parties engaging never to purchase any part 
of it. And she insisted that the United States should engage 
not to construct nor maintain any armed vessels on the lakes, 
any forts on their southern shores, nor on the southern shores 
of the river which connects them ; and that they should also 
agree to such a variation of the northern and eastern boundary 
as would secure to great Britain a communication between 
Quebec and Halifax. Her commissioners moreover intimated 
that, as the right to the fisheries, secured to the United States 
by the treaty of 1783, had been abrogated by the war, they must 
not expect to enjoy it hereafter without giving an equivalent 
for it. " We need hardly say," add the American coinmis- 
sioners, ^' that the demands of Great Britain will receive from 
us a unanimous and decided negative ; and we have felt it our 
duty to apprise you that there is not, at present any hope of 
peace." 

Congress shrunk not'from the duty which this crisis iinposed. 
Althought the expenditure of the nation greatly exceeded the 
income, — although its finances were in disorder, and its credit 
was impaired, — yet the national legislature, with undaunted 
firmness, entered upon the task of furnishing the means to pro- 
secute the war with increased vigour. The taxes were aug- 
mented, and new loans were authorized. The duties of secre- 
tary of war, from which post General Armstrong was removed, 
were assigned to Mr. Monroe ; and those of secretary of the 
treasury to Mr. Dallas. 

The repose of General Jackson, and of the troops which he 



THE UNITED STATES. 367 

commanded, was interrupted by the arrival at Pensacola, in 
August, of three British ships-of-war, bringing three hundred 
soldiers, and arms and ammunition to be distributed among 
the Indians of Florida. The troops were permitted, by the 
Spaniards, to take possession of the fort, and the commander 
issued a proclamation, indicating an intention of carrying on 
war against the adjacent parts of the republic. 

General Jackson, with characteristic promptness, took in- 
stant and efficient meansfor calling to his aid the patriotic mi- 
litia, who had before been victorious under his banners; and, 
having remonstrated in vain with the governor of Pensacola, 
for affording shelter and protection to the enemies of the 
United States, he near the end of October, at the head of a 
body of regulars and two thousand mounted volunteers, 
marched against that place. A flag, sent to demand redress, 
was tired upon from the batteries. He immediately marched 
into the city, stormed the fort, obtained entire posssession, and 
compelled the British to evacuate Florida. 

Returning to his head-quarters at Mobile, he there received 
intelligence that a powerful expedition was on the way to at- 
tack New Orleans. Without delay, he marched with his troops 
to that city. He found it in a state of confusion and alarm. 
The militia, composed of men of all nations, was imperfectly 
organized. Many, feeling r.o attachment to the rei)ublic, had 
refused to enter the ranks. No fortilications existed on the va- 
rious routes by which the place could be approached ; and 
fears were entertained thatthereinforcementsof militia, which 
were expected from Kentucky and Tennessee, could not arrive 
in time to take part in the contest. 

Undismayed by the difficulties which surrounded him. Gene- 
ral Jackson adopted the most decided and efficient means for 
the safety of this rich and important city. He visited m per- 
son every exi)0sed point, and designated the i)Ositions to be for- 
tified. He mingled with the citizens, and infused into the 
greater part of them his own spirit and energy. By his presence 
and exhortation, they were animated to exertions of which be- 
Fore they were not supposed to be capable. All who could 
wield a spade, or carry a musket, were put to work upon the 
fortifications, or trained in the art of defending them. 

The Mississippi, upon the east bank of which New Orleans 
stands, flows to the ocean in several channels. One, leaving 
the main stream above the city, runs east of it, and forms, m 
its course, T.ake Ponchartrain and T.ake Borgne. Early in He- 
cember, the enemy entered this channel. Their whole force 
amounted to about eight thousand men, a part of whom had 
iust left the shores of the C'hesai)eake, and the remainder had 
arrived directly from England. A small s.piadron of gun-boats, 
under Lieutenant Jones, was despatched to oppose their pas- 



36J^ HISTORY OF 

sage into the lako, Thoso vere met by a superior force, and, 
after a spirited contact, iii Avliich the killed and wounded of the 
enemy exceeded the whole number ofthe Americims, they were 
coni}H^lled to surivnder. 

This disaster required the adoi^ion, in the city, of more 
A igorous measures. Disatlection growing bolder, martial law 
was proclaimed ; the authority of the civil magistrate was 
suspended ; and arbitrary power was assumed and exercised 
by the commander-in-chiet. May no emergency hereafter oc- 
cur, in Avhich a military otlicer shall ciuisider himself autho- 
rized to cite, as a precedent, this violation of the constitution. 

On the 2 1st of December, four thousand militia arrived 
from Tennessee. On the l'2d, the enemy, having previously 
landed, took a position near the main cliannel of the river, 
about eight miles beloAv the city. In the evening of the 23d, 
General Jackson made a sudden and furious attack upon their 
camp. They were thrown into disorder; but they soon 
rallied, and ibught with bravery equal to that of the assailants, 
ti^atistied Avith the advantage tirst gained, he withdrew his 
tnx^ps, fortitied a strong position four miles below New 
C>rleaus, and supported it by batteries erected on the west 
bank of the river. 

On the 28th of December and 1st of January, vigorous but 
unsuccessful attacks were made upon these fortitications by 
the enemy. In the mean time, both armies had received re- 
inforcements ; and General Packenham, the British com- 
mander, resolved to exert all his strength in a combined attack 
ui)on the American positions on both sides of the river. AVith 
almost incredible industry, he caused a canal, leading from a 
creek emptying into Lake Borgne to the main channel of the 
Mississippi, to be dug, that he might remove a i>art of his 
boats and artillery to the latter. All things being prepared, 
the Sth of January was assigned for the assault. 

In the night, a regiment was transported across the river, 
to storm the works on the western bank, and turn the guns 
on the American troojjs, on the eastern. Karly in the morn- 
ing, the main body of the enemy, consisting of seven or eight 
thousand men, marched from the camp to the assault. "While 
a])proaching fearless and undaunted, showers of grape-shot 
thinned their ranks. AVhen they came within musket-shot, a 
vivid stream of tire burst from the American lines. General 
Jackson having jilaced his troops in two ranks, those in the 
rear loaded for those in front, enabling them to tire with 
scarcely a moment's intermission. The militia of the west, 
trained from infancy to the use of the riHe, seldom took un- 
steady or uncertain aim. The plain was soon covered with 
dead and wounded. "While bravely leading to the walls the 
regiment which bore the ladders,' General Tackenham wagi 



THE UNI-BED STATES. 369 

killed. In attempting to restore order and to rally the 
fugitives, General Gibbs, the second in command, was wound- 
ed mortally, and General Keene severely. Without officers 
to direct them, the troops first halted, then fell back, and soon 
fled in disorder to their camp. In little more than an hour, 
two thousand of the enemy were laid prostrate upon the 
field ; while of the Americans but seven were killed and six 
wounded — a disproportion of loss without a parallel in the 
annals of warfare. 

The events of the day on the west side of the river present 
a striking instance of the uncertainty of warlike operations. 
There the Americans were thrice the number of the assailants, 
and were protected by intrenchments ; but they ingloriously 
fled. They were closely pursued, until the British party, re- 
ceiving intelligence of the defeat of the main army, withdrew 
from pursuit and recrossed the river. They then returned, 
and resumed possession of their intrenchments. 

General Lambert, upon whom the command of the British 
army had devolved, having lost all hope of success, prepared 
to return to his shipping. In his retreat he was not molested ; 
General .lackson wisely resolving to hazard nothing that he 
had gained, in attempting to gain still more. 

In the midst of the rejoicings for this signal victory, a 
special messenger arrived from P^urope, with a treaty of peace, 
which, in December, had been concluded at Ghent. Ihe 
British government had receded from all their demands ; and 
as the orders in council had been repealed, and all motives for 
the impressment of seamen had ceased with the war in 
Europe, no stipulation, in relation to these subjects, was 
inserted in the treaty, which provided merely for the n^stor- 
ation of peace and the revision of boundaries, llie tieaty 
was immediately ratified by the president and senate. 

But the war still continued for a short tirne on the ocean. 
In the course of the winter, the frigate rrcsident, then com- 
manded by Captain Decatur, and the sloops Horriet and 1 ea- 
cock were directed to proceed from the harbour o New \ ork, 
on a cruise to the East Indies. At this time, a British s.,ua- 
d>n, consisting of a ra/ee and three frigates, was cruizing 
fXe hat harbour. Captain Decatur, m he hope that he 
li^iUt pass smgly in .the ">.^t,^set sail .1 . eve^^ th 



y^gyjlnu;^ leading oVS^sibr the sU,ops to f^.Uow. At 
day ight the next morning, he was discovered and pursu.d 1^' 
?h.. whole s.iuadron. At four o'clock m the afternoon the Ln- 
dvn^ori ofX rgvms, had approached so near that b<.th began 
i^r: '^ler ^^ engagem.i.t had c^^tinu^ -;^1'-;^:M;^-;; 



the whole scjuadron. At fourc.'clock in the afternoon, the En- 
dymion, of forty gur 

to crew Jo boird the Endymiou, and, having conquered her, 



Q, 



370 HISTORY OF 

to abandon their own ship and make their escape in the prize. 
The crew cheerfully assented ; ordei-s were given to lay the 
President by the side of her antagonist ; but she, fearing the 
encounter, bore away, and continued the engagement at a safe 
distance. At eleven o'clock, the Pomona came up and joined 
in the action ; soon after, the other vessels came within gun- 
shot ; when Captain Decatur, perceiving not the slightest hope 
of victory or escape, sti'uck his flag. In this long contest, 
eleven of the enemy were killed and fourteen wounded ; of 
the Americans, twenty-four were killed and fifty-six wounded, 
many of them by the tire from the Pomona. 

The Hornet and Peacock proceeded to sea without being 
discovered. Ignorant of the fate of the President, they sailed 
to the Island of Tristan d'Acunha, the appointed place of 
meeting. In sight of that island, the Hornet, commanded by 
Captain Biddle, met and engaged the sloop Penguin, of about 
equal force. In twenty-two minutes, the latter struck. She 
had fourteen killed and eighteen wounded, and was so much 
damaged that Captain Biddle thought it inexpedient to send 
her home, and scuttled her. On board the Hornet, one was 
killed and ten wounded ; and she received so little damage 
that, in two days, she Avas ready to proceed or her cruise. 

On the 30th of June, the Peacock, then cruising in the r^traits 
of Siinda, and her commander having no knowU^dge of the 
peace, fell in with the IS'aiitilus, oi' fourteen guns. The two 
ships havnig exchanged broadsides, the latter struck. Of her 
crew, six were killed and eight wounded : of that of the Pea- 
cock, none were hurt. The next day, the American com- 
mander, having ascertained that peace had been concluded, 
and that the time prescribed for the cessation of hostilities had 
passed, gave up the Nautilus, and returned home. 

In December, the frigate Constitution, then commanded by 
Cajitain Stewart, sailed from Boston, and, passing near Ber- 
muda and iNIadeira, entered the Bay of Biscay. She cruised 
for a while on the coast of Portugal, where she made two 
prizes. On the 20th of Februaiy, slie fell in with two ships- 
of-war, and, having ascertained that tliey wore enemies, suc- 
ceeded, by a series of man(vu\ res, which nautical men have 
highly applauded, and by rapid and elVeetive firing whenever 
the positions of the several sliips were favourable, in capturing 
both. They were the British ships Cyane, mounting thirty- 
four gnus, and Levant, mounting twenty-one. In this cruise, 
the Constitution carried tifty-two guns ; but she had more men 
than both of her antagonists. Of her cjvw, three were killed 
and twelve wounded ; t>f the enemy, the number killed and 
Mounded was estimated by Captain Stewart at about seventy; 
out they, in uuoilicial publicatitms stated it less. The Levant 



THE UNITED STATESi 371 

was recaptured ; the Constitution and Cyane arrived safe in 
American ports. 

That the United States had sufficient cause for the war just 
ended, few, if any, save zealous partisans, ever denied or 
doubted. Their commerce had been plundered on the ocean, 
and the sensibility and honour of the nation had been deeply 
wounded by outrages upon the liberty of its seamen. But 
many doubted whether, at the time, a war was expedient, or 
necessary for the vindication of the national honour. The state 
of the world appeared to them to extenuate conduct, which, 
indefensible at all times, seemed almost unavoidable in nations 
struggling for existence, and acting under the influence of 
passions which twenty years of war and commotion had ini- 
platifed in every European bosom. 

That, when the war was declared, the country had not bpen 
placed in a fit state of preparation for carrying it on, was then 
and afterwards charged against the administration of that 
time. And this was true. The treasury was empty ; the 
army was neither numerous nor well disciplined ; our fortifi- 
cations were insufficient; and our navy comparatively weak. 
It may be said, however, as an apology for that administration, 
that from a state of open war we could suflPcr little more than 
from the war in disguise before carried on against us ; that, 
whatever may be the dictates of jjolicy, and whatever lessons 
experience and patriotism may have inculcated, it will always 
be difficult for the government of this country to make adequate 
preparation for a war, before it is declared, or to make stren- 
uous effi)rts in carrying it on, until the people have* been 
aroused by engaging in the conflict. 

Ill consequence of this want of preparation, the first was, 
on land, a year of diHasters ; but it tried the capacities of the 
officers, cast aside those who M^ere unlit, and brought into 
view, and into action, talent which had before lain unperceived 
or dormant. The fcrnient in men's minds, before political, 
became military ; gallant and skilful officers, spirited and dis- 
ciplined soldiers, multiplied as the war progressed. Defeat 
produced the resolution to conf[uer; victory, the ho])e of other 
and more glorious victories, l^jfore the war closed, the na- 
tion became convinced that it had nothing to fear from the 
want of military qualities in the peoj)le ; the laurels of its 
herfH^s had covered every stain ujjon its fame. 

The republic, therefore, can)e out of the war with higher re- 
spect for itself. In the midst of all its boasting, it had always 
been inwardly sensible that it stood low in the rank of na- 
tions. It smai ted under ridiculr, was elated by commrnda- 
tion, and fretted under the antidjjation of nrftlect and ctm- 
tempt. There existed, among the people an English feeling 
and a French feeling; not so strong, certainly, as to give 



372 HISTORY OF 

controlling influence to either nation, but too strong to be com- 
patible with a proper degree of self-reliance and self-respect. 
All this was now changed. The people had now something 
which they felt they could be proud of. Foreign partialities 
were smothered by a national feeling, which, as it gained in 
strength, imparted dignity to the national character. 

It was a fortunate result of the war that it procured favour 
for the navy. Before, strong prejudices against it had grown 
up in the minds of many. Some believed that if we should 
build ships-of-war, England could easily capture them, and 
add them to her own navy ; that we (should, in fact, build 
them only for her : others, not interested in navigation, felt no 
solicitude for what aflbrded no protection to their plantations, 
farms, and firesides. Perhaps, as a navy had been a favourite 
of the first and second administrations, and of course con- 
demned by the opposition, ihe party prejudices than implanted 
had not been wholly eradicated ; and perhaps the English 
practice of impressment had become too closely connected, in 
the minds of many, with the navy itself, to be separated from 
it. But the splendid victories of ours conquered and dissi- 
pated most of these prejudices. It was apparent that its suc- 
cess gained us respect abroad ; that it afforded protection, not 
only to our property, but to our fellow-citizens who had gone 
from among us to pursue legitimate employments profitable to 
themselves and highly beneficial to the nation : that naval 
warfare did not cause such wide-spread devastation and ex- 
tensive suffering as warfare on the land ; and that from naval 
forces no such danger to liberty could be apprehended as from 
a standing army and from the heroes it might produce. 

Some proceedings of congress, which were passed over from 
a desire to give a connected narrative of the stirring events of 
the war, require to be noticed. The victories of which an ac- 
count has been given were not gained without strenuous efforts 
and immense expenditures. At the same time, the revenue of 
the country, derived from the usual sources, was greatly di- 
minished ; and the credit of the nation, having been too much 
and too often resorted to, was seriously impaired. But the war 
had become more popular, and even most of those who still 
condemned it, were impelled by their patriotism to take part 
with their country, and to lend their aid to defeat and chastise 
its enemies. Congress, therefore, dared to call upon the peo- 
ple themselves to contribute to replenish the treasury. Laws 
were i)assed inq)0sing taxes on banks ; on carriages and har- 
nesses ; on the distillation of spirits ; on household furniture 
and watches ; on domestic manufactures; on licenses to re- 
tailers; and on sales at auction. These internal duties were 
recommended by the secretary of the treasury, and he esti- 



THE UNITED STATES. 373 

mated their product, for the year 1815, at nearly 8,000,000 of 
dollars. 

But this not being sufficient, a law was passed imposing a 
direct tax on lands and slaves of 6,000,000 of dollars ; and 
permission was given to issue treasury notes to a large amount, 
by virtue of which more than 16,000,000 of dollars, in such 
notes, were actually issued. Furthermore, on the 15th of No- 
vember, a loan was authorized of 3,000,000 of dollars ; on the 
21st,of December, another of 6,000,000 ; on the 9th of January, 
another of 3,000,000 ; and, on the 3d of March, another of 
nearly 18,000,000 and a half But some of these were tem- 
porary loans, and to be repaid out of the proceeds of the taxes 
imposed ; and the last was receivable in treasury notes, which 
the government was unable to pay, and it therefore proposed 
to convert, in this way, that species of debt into a funded 
debt. From the year 1812 to the year 1815, both inclusive, 
the whole amount actually borrowed was 46,920,811 dollars 
1 2 cents ; the whole amount of treasury notes issued was 
26,207,965 dollars 79 cents. 

Immediately after the ratification of the treaty of peace, the 
subject of the reduction of the army was brought before con- 
gress. At this time, it consisted of thirty-two thousand one 
hundred and sixty men, besides commissioned officers. Upon 
the (juestion, what number should be retained, a debate arose 
of some length and animation. In the house, ten thousand 
was first proposed ; but a majority decided in favour of six 
thousand. In the senate, fifteen thousand was the number 
l)referred ; the bill which finally passed fixed the number at 
ten thousand. A board of officers, consisting of Generals 
Brown, Jackson, Macomb, Gaines, and Kipley, were directed 
by the president to make a selection of officers and men to be 
retained; and, this duty being performed, the supernumeraries 
were discharged on the 15th day of the following June. 

In regard to the navy, several laws were passed to adapt it 
to a state of peace. The president was authorized to cause 
all the armed vessels on the lakes except such as he might 
deem necessary to enforce the revenue laws, and also all the 
barges composing the flotilla establishment, and as many of 
the gun-boats as, in his opinion, could be spared, to be sold or 
laid up, they being first divested of their armament, tackle, 
and furniture. But no disposition was felt to diminish the 
force of the navy : on the contrary, at the close of the session, 
a special appropriation was made of 200,000 dollars annually, 
for three years, for the purchase and siipi)ly of every descrip- 
tion of timber recjuircd for ship-building and other naval pur- 
poses. 



374 HISTORY OF 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

EDUCATION, LITERATURE, RELIGION, &c. 

The whole duty of an historian is not accomplished by the 
relation merely of great and interesting events, of party con- 
flfcts, of political intrigues and changes. Education, Iftera- 
ture, religion, and other kindred topics, are even more import- 
ant ; and some account of them is due to the reader. 

Enough has already been told to show that modes of exist- 
ence altogether unknown to man in the Old World arose and 
prevailed in the New. Never before had an intelligent people, 
quitting a country where science, and the arts, and literature, 
had been carried to a high state of perfection, and knowledge 
accumulated beyond all preceding and contemporary example, 
sought and chosen an abode in a distant continent, where 
none of their race existed to aid or impede their progress, or 
modify their social character; leaving behind all the evils 
and carrying with them most of the blessings of civilization ; 
casting off the dead body of ancient abuses, and moving on- 
ward, unburdened and unrestrained, whithersoever the wisdom 
they had brought with them might direct. 

Of the abuses left behind, the most important were, the prin- 
ciple that imlitical jjower could be inherited; the law of pri- 
mogeniture ; ecclesiastical establishments; and distinction of 
classes ; — all tendmg to produce and perpetuate the error, the 
most i)erniciour^ to the happiness of man, that God and nature 
intended the Few Uj govern and enjoy, and the Many to obey 
and be taxrd. Of those who cajne, some brought with them 
more wisdom and intelligence than others The Puritans who 
emigrated b) New England were mostly well educated ; some 
were erudite scholars; and all considered it essential that their 
children, and their neighbours' children, should be able to read' 
and understand the Scriptures. Believing that every soul was 
equal in the sight of God, they deemed it their duty to enable 
every one to ascertain Ilis will and to seek salvation in the 
way he had pointed out. They foresaw, too, that every man 
might become a freeman, be entitled to exercise important 
rights, and be called upon to perform duties ; and they were 
well aware that, to enable tliem to do either, education was 
indisj)ensably necessarv. 

In 1617, a law was passed in Massachusetts providing that, 
in every township containing fifty householders, a school should 
be kept, in which all the children who might resort to it should 
be taught to read and write ; and that it should be maintained 
by a tax asstssed on all the residents according so their pro- 



THE UNITED STATES. »75 

perty. As the number of inhabitants increased, the township 
was divided into small districts, and a school supported in 
each ; and care was taken that the school-houses should be so 
placed that even small children might walk to them from 
almost every dwelling-house. 

Immediately after their first settlement^the same system was 
adopted by the other colonies of New England ; and it has by 
all of them been maintained to the present time. Connecticut, 
having a large tract of land in Ohio, called the Western Reserve 
which was soid for one million two hundred thousand dollars, 
appropriated the whole sum for the support of common or pri- 
mary schools. The sum has since been augmented to one mil- 
lion nine hundred and thirty thousand dollars, and the interest 
is annually cfistributed to the several school districts, according 
to the number of scholars taught in each. It must be expended 
solely for instruction ; and all the incidental expenses of the 
schools must be paid by the districts. 

The effect of this system has been to diffuse among the great 
body of the people of these states a degree of knowledge which 
none other has ever attained. All can read and write, and 
rarely can one, born in the country, be found not qualified to 
trarisact the common conceiTis of life. The minds of all have 
been prepared to receive and enabled to impart information ; 
they have been stimulated to activity and trained to investi- 
gation. Intelligence guiding every hand has doubled the value 
and the product of labour, and overcome the disadvantages of 
a sterile soil and inhospitable climate. 

The gre;jt state of New York, distinguished for magnificent 
projects of internal impro\ement, and for liberal patronage of 
literature and the arts, lias lately devoted more attention and 
a])propriated larger funds tlian any other state to the esta- 
blislunent nnd improvement of conjmon schools. In 1805, an 
act was passed setting apart the i)roceeds of five huudder 
thousand acres of the public lands, which should first be sold, 
as a permanent fund for that purpose ; anddirectirisr that these 
proceeds should be placed at interest, and the fund allowed to 
accumul.'de until the aiunial income should amount to fifty 
thousand dollars; and that it should alterwards be applied to 
the supimrt of connnon schools in such manner as the legisla- 
ture should direct. This fund, having received additions from 
another source, amounted, in 1S14, to eight hundred and 
twenty-two thousand dollars, yielding an income of iifty-seven 
thousand dollars. By several" statutes, a superintindeut of 
schools was ajjpointed ; provision was made that Ihe proceeds 
of the fund should be distrib\i(ed among the several towns ; 
and the county super\isors were directed to raise, by a tax on 
the towns, a sum e<pial to that which they were entitled to 
receive from the state. In 1815, the amount received from all 



376 HISTORY OF 

eources by the districts was about sixty-five thousand dollars ; 
in 1838, it was three hundred and seventy-four thousand; and 
it was ascertained that, in the same year, there was expended 
by private individuals, in payment of teachers' wages, the ad- 
ditional sum of five hundred and twenty-one thousand dollars. 
In the former year, the whole number of children instructed 
in the common schools was one hundred and forty thousand ; 
in the latter, five hundred and fifty-seven thousand ; the increase 
being much greater than that of the population of the state, 
and therefore showing the rapid progress whifh the love of 
education had made among the people. 

The greatest difficulty experienced in those states where 
common schools have been established, and their capacity to do 
good clearly perceived, has been, to find fit and competent 
teachers. To obviate this, provision has been made in New 
York to establish, in many of the numerous academies in that 
state, departments for the instruction of such persons, male 
and female, as are desirous of devoting their time to that em- 
ployment, not only in the branches to be taught, but in the 
best mode of communicating knowledge to the young. And, 
furthermore, that useful information of all kinds might be ex- 
tensively, and even universally, diffused throughout the state, 
a large annual appropriation has been made, to be expended 
for three successive years, in purchasing, for every district, a 
school library, for the use, not only of scholars, but of every 
inhabitant. 

Other states, following the examples of Connecticut and 
New York, have set apart funds and made annual appropria- 
tions for the support of common schools. New Jersey has a 
fund of about three hundred thousand dollars ; Pennsylvania, 
besides making, in one year, an ajipropriation of five hundred 
thousand dollars, to be expended principally in building 
school-houses, appropriates annually a sum equal to one dol- 
lar for every taxable inhabitant, all numbering, at this time, 
more than three hundred thousand. The amount annually 
distributed by Ohio is nearly five hundred thousand dollars ; 
by Maryland, more than sixty thousand. In most of these 
states, no district is allowed to participate in the public bounty, 
which does not expend a certain, generally an ecjual, amount 
derived from its own resources, ^'irginia. North Carolina, 
Missouri, and Michigan, have also set apart large funds for 
the support of connnon schools ; but tli^y have not yet de- 
vised and carried into extensive and regular operation a sys- 
tem for the expenditure of the income. 

The national government has not been unmindful of the im- 
portance of universal education. Before the adoption of the 
constitution, it acquired, by the cession of the states claiming 
it, the property of nearly all the unappropriated land within 



THE UNITED STATES. 377 

the national boundaries. In offering this land for sale, it has 
reserved, in every township, one section, comprising six hun- 
dred and forty acres, for the use of schools. As the population 
of tlie new states becomes more dense, these lands will pro- 
duce a valuable and productive fund, and the system of free 
schools, thus planted in the western, will there produce the 
same benefits as in the eastern portion of the Union. Judging 
from what has already been accomplished and projected, it 
cannot be long before means will have been provided for the 
instruction, in reading, writing, and arithmetic, of every child 
in the United States, at school-houses so placed as to be easily 
accessible to all. 

Schools of a higher order, to which the name of Academies 
has been applied, are numerous in all the states, especially in 
those of New England and New York. Many are incorpo- 
rated, and some possess considerable funds. In these schools 
are taught English grammar, composition, history, geography, 
mathematics, the Latin and Greek, and in some the modem, 
languages. Many young men resort to them to acquire an 
education superior to that which can be obtained at the pri- 
mary schools, and many to prepare themselves to enter some 
college or university. They are principally taught by those 
who have just received a degree in the arts, and who are un- 
able, from the want of property, to engage immediately in the 
study of the professions which they intend to pursue. 

Of colleges and universities there is also a large number in 
the United States. The oldest and first in rank is Harvard 
College, at Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was established in 
1638, only eighteen years after the first settlement of Plymouth. 
It had then a fund of about five thousand dollars, nearly two 
thirds of which was a donation from the Reverend John Har- 
vard, of C'ha.rlestown. The first degrees were conferred upon 
nine young gentlemen in 1642. It has since received many 
and large additions to its funds, principally donations from in- 
dividuals ; and, from the exertions of its learned presidents 
and professors, has, with short intermissions, been constantly 
advancing in re})utation and increasing in usefulness. The li- 
brary contains about forty-five thousand volumes. The faculty 
consists generally of a president and about twenty professors; 
the number of its students varies from two hundred and twenty 
to two hundred and fifty ; and of its resident graduates from 
one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy-five. 

Yale College was founded in 1700, and incorporated in 1701. 
It was first established at Saybrook ; but, in 1716, was re- 
moved to New Haven, in Connecticut. Elihu Yale, a mer- 
chant in London, having made to it a donation of more than 
four thousand dollars, its name was, in 1718, changed from the 
Collegiate School to Yale College. Afterwards Bishop Berke- 



378 HISTORY OF 

ley, the celebrated metaphysician, who had resided two years 
in America, presented to it a collection of books, consisting of 
hearly one thouftand volumes ; and a farm in Newport, the an- 
nual rent of which, on a long lease, is two hundred and forty 
bufthels of wheat. From the state, and from other sources, 
it has received many liberal donations. Its libraries contain 
about twenty-five thousand volumes. The faculty consists 
generally of a president, and from ten to fifteen professors ; and 
the number of its students is about four hundred. 
^^ In addition to these, there are in the Union about ninety col- 
leges and universities authorised to confer degrees. In all of 
these are taught tlie English, Latin, and Greek languages, 
rhetoric, mathematics, natural philosophy, logic, chemistry, 
astronomy, history, and geography. In some of them are also 
taught the Hebrew, Oriental, and modern European languages, 
anatomy, surgery, medicine, botany, polite literature, divi- 
nity, ethics, natural and municipal law, politics, and elocu- 
tion. 

Literature. — The remark has often been made, that the 
United States have produced no eminent scholars, and that the 
national character has not been illustrated by literary and sci- 
entific performances of distinguished merit. This remark is 
doubtless just. Compared with those of the Old World, their 
writers have not exhibited the same laboured polish of style, 
nor their men of science the same perseverance and extent of 
investigation. Their historians are not equal to Hume or Ro- 
bertson ; their poets to Milton or Pope ; their chemists to La- 
voisier or Davy ; nor their metaphysicians to Locke, Berkeley, 
or Reid. 

But this fact implies no deficiency of mental vigour in the 
people. The mind of the nation has received, from circum- 
stances, a different direction. Those who are endued with 
extraordinarj'^ talent, whatever may have been their original 
propensities, have been called from the closet to labour in the 
legislative hall, or the cabinet ; to vindicate the cause, or de- 
fend the interest of their country abroad ; to dispense justice 
from the bench, or to support and defend, at the bar, the claims 
and the rights of their fellow-citizens. 

To perform these duties — certainly not less honourable nor 
less difficult than any thing which the mere scholar can per- 
form — a greater variety of talents, and greater intellectual la- 
bour, have been required in this, than in any other country. — 
Here, in comparatively a short period, the foundations have 
been laid, and the superstructures erected, of new political 
institutions. Many goveriunents have been established over 
communities differing from each other, and from those of Eu- 
rope ; and over these a paramount governnient, with extensive 



TH« ITNITID STATES. 379 

and important powers. For each of these communities, a new 
system of law has been required, and each government has a 
separate executive, legislative, and judicial department. The 
population of no country has. been called upon to supply such 
a number of legislators, of judges, and of law3'ers ; nor, it may 
be added, of instructors of youth; and, while their number 
accounts for the comparative neglect of literature and the fine 
arts, the talents they have displayed sufficiently vindicate the 
republic from the reproach of intellectual inferiority. 

But not in these modes alone have the people of these states 
proved, that in original powers of mind they may assert an 
equality, at least, with those of any other nation. None has 
made more important discoveries in the useful arts. ^ England 
boasts of her Arkwright, who invented the spinning" machine ; 
of her Worcester, Newcon^men, and Wat, by whose ingenuity 
and labours the powers of steam were substituted for the un- 
certain aid of wind and water in moving the machinery of 
manufactories. America may boast of her Godfrey, whose 
quadrant has been almost as serviceable as the compass to na- 
vigation ; of her Franklin, who has made our dwellings com- 
fortable within, and protected them from the lightning of 
heaven ; of her Whitney, whose cotton gin has added to the 
annual product of that article at least three hundred millions 
of pounds ; of her Whitteraore, the inventor of the wonderful 
machine for making cards ; of her Perkins, the inventor of the 
nail machine ; and of her Fulton, who has rendered the power 
of steam subservient to the purposes of navigation. 

But the United States have produced authoris who would do 
honour even to any other nation. The style of Franklin is per- 
spicuous and pure ; and few men of any age or country have 
contributed more, by their writings, to enlighten and to bene- 
fit mankind. The histories of Marshall, Belknap, Williams, 
Bancroft, and Prescott, are works of sterling merit, interest- 
ing, and instructive. Among, theological writers, Edwards, 
Hopkins, Dwiglit, Davies, Buckminster, and Channing, are 
deservedly eminent. In the class of novelists, Brown, Cooper, 
and Sedgwick, rank high ; and among philologists Webster 
has few if any equals. 

Many of the political writers of this country have displayed 
great vigour of thought and force of expression. The pamph- 
lets and state papers to which the revolutionary struggle gave 
existence ; the numbers of the Federalist ; the official letters 
of Mr. Jefferson, as secretary of state, and of the American 
ministers at Ghent, not only display intellectual powers, but 
possess literary merit, of the highest order. Some of the best 
writers of this republic have not been the authors of books. 

A comparison between the orators of America and of any 
other country, even of England, cannot be so easily instituted. 



380 HISTORY OF 

It seldom falls to the lot of one man to witness the moat 
powerful displays of eloquence in both ; and if it did, no one 
could be so thoroughly conversant with the feelings and modes 
of thought of the different audiences, nor so perfectly acquainted 
with the topics discussed, or the objects to be attained, or the 
most proper means of attaining those objects, as to be capable 
of awarding the palm of merit. The most intelligent English- 
man, after listening to a debate in congress on a constitutional 
question, might be excused for wondering how any of the 
speakers, though displaying surpassing ability, could be con- 
sidered in the first rank of orators, with almost as much rea- 
son as a Frenchman for feeling surprise that Shakespeare had 
been placed at the head of dramatic poets. But does not this 
republic present as fitting audience and as attractive prizes ; 
has she not furnished as glorious, as exciting topics ; do not 
her institutions and social condition offer as frequent occasions, 
to form great orators as any nation that has ever existed ? 
Here more start in the career of eloquence than in any other 
country; though thousands fail, .would it not be surprising if 
some did not ascend the highest eminence ? If an American 
may not claim for his country the superiority in this, the chief 
of all arts, he has a right to mention with pride the names of 
Marshall, Webster, and Calhoun, of Henry, Ames, and Clay. 

To the FINE ARTS still less attention has been paid than to 
literature ; but the neglect is to be attributed rather to the de- 
ficiency of patronage than to the want of capacity to excel. 
Benjamin West, a native of Pennsylvania, presided for many 
years over the Royal Society, comprising the most eminent paint- 
ers of Great Britain. In portrait-painting, Copley, Stuart, 
Sully, and Peale, have acquired a high reputation ; and in his- 
torical painting, Trumbull, Allston, Leslie, and Morse, excel. 
The United States claim only the honour of their birth ; Eng- 
land and Italy, that of patronizing and instructing them. 

Religion. — The consequences resulting from the enjoyment 
of religious liberty have been highly favourable. Free discus- 
sion has enlightened the ignorant, disarmed superstition of its 
dreadful powers, and consigned to oblivion many erroneous 
and fantastic creeds. Religious oppression, and the vindictive 
feelings it arouses, are hardly known. Catholics and Protes- 
tants live together in harmony ; and Protestants who disagree, 
employ, in defending their own doctrines, and in assailing those 
of their antagonists, the weapons only of reason and elo- 
quence. 

In the New England States, the Independents or Congte- 
gationalists constitute the most numerous denomination ; in 
the Middle States, the Presbyterians ; and in the Southern, the 
Methodists, Baptists, Episcopalians, and Roman Catholics, 
are found in all the states ; but in Maryland and Louisiana, the 



THE tJNITED STATES. 381 

Ciltholics are more numerous than elsewhere. Each of these 
sects has one or more seminaries of learning, in which its 
peculiar doctrines are taught, and young men are educated for 
the ministr3\ Many other sects exist, but reason, less tolerant 
than the laws, is gradually diminishing the number. 

Character and Manners. — Foriegners have asserted that 
Americans possess no national character. If at any period this 
assertion has been true, it was then no reproach. In its youth, 
a nation can have no established character. The inhabitants 
of this republic, coming from every quarter of the world, 
speaking many different languages, dispersed over a vast ex- 
tent of territory, could not immediately assimilate and exhibit 
those few prominent traits, which nations, as well as indivi- 
duals, in their maturity, display. 

But the germ of a national character has always existed. 
It has grown with our growth, and is gradually throwing 
into the shade those unfavourable and discordant traits which 
have disfigured and partly concealed it from view. Who, 
that has read the history of these states, has not perceived, in 
the inhabitants, an energy of purpose capable of surmounting 
all obstacles ; a spirit of enterprise, that leaves nothing use- 
ful unattempted ; a proud sense of personal dignity and inde- 
pendence ; a decided preference of utility before show ; and a 
love of knowledge that has dispelled ignorance from the land ? 
They may have been too much devoted to the pursuit of gain ; 
too much addicted to habits of intemperance ; too much in- 
flated with national vanity ; bigoted and superstitious ; — but 
these traits are now less apparent ; they are constantly melt- 
ing away, and those more noble appearing in bolder relief. 

They whose wealth or talents place them in the first rank 
in society, are, in their manners, free from awkwardness, 
formality, haughtiness, and ostentation; but they do not dis- 
play the elegance or refinement of the same class in Europe. 
The mass of the people are serious, shrewd, inquisitive, manly, 
and generally respectful ; but they know little, and practise 
less, of the ceremonies of politeness. To foreigners, ac- 
customed to the servility of the lower classes in Europe, they 
doubtless appear rough and uncourtly ; and many fashionable 
tourists may have had their feelings needlessly wounded, and 
their delicacy shocked ; but, when respectfully treated, they 
display native politeness and generosity of sentiment. Time 
will remove the grosser defects ; but may it be never, by 
polishing too deeply, impair that strength of character which 
is essential to the permanence of our republican institutions ! 

A review of the rapid progress of the United States in popu- 
lation, wealth, and power ; a survey of their present physical 
and moral condition and a comparison of them, in either res- 
pect, with other nations, cannot fail to give to an American 



382 HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

citizen an elevated conception of his own country, and to 
justify the loftiest anticipations of the future. 

In a period of forty years, ending with 1830, the population 
of the republic increased from 3,893,835 to 12,866,920; it 
consequently doubles in less than twenty-five years. In Great 
Britain, the population does not double in less than eighty 
years ; and in that country the increase is nearly, if not quite, 
as rapid as in any other country in Europe. 

The augmentation of wealth and power cannot be so easily 
ascertained. It is the opinion of many, well qualified to 
judge, that it has been still more rapid; and when the increase 
of our exports, which in the same period advanced from 
19,00^,000 to 73,000,000 ; when the' growth of our cities and 
villages ; the increase of our manufacturing establishments, of 
our national and mercantile navy, of our fortifications and 
other means of defence ; the extent of our internal improve- 
ments ; and, beyond all, the extensive territories reclaimed 
from a state of nature, and made productive and valuable,"'are 
adverted to, that opinion will not appear unfounded nor 
extravagant. 

Although now inferior to the principal of nations the Old 
World, yet but a short period will elapse before the United 
States, should their progress hereafter be the same that it has 
been, will overtake and pass them. Their great natural ad- 
vantages will continue to urge them forward. Extensive 
tracts of fertile land yet remain vacant of inhabitants ; the 
portions already settled are capable of supporting a much more 
numerous population; new roads and new canals will give 
greater activity to internal commerce, and open new fields to 
the untiring industry and enterprise of man; and, a small part 
only beiug recpiired by the government, nearly the whole an- 
nual income will be added to the general capital, augmenting 
it in a compound ratio. 

That these splendid auticii)ations are not the suggestions of 
national vanity, the history of the past sufficiently proves. 
Yet their fulfilment depends upon the future conduct of the 
people themselves; u})on the preservation of free political in- 
stitutions; upon tlieir iu'mues?! in resisting the temptations 
which beset the prosperous; and, above all, upon tlieir guard- 
ing against the besetting sin of republics — that whkh has 
hitherto, in every instance, been fatal — yieldiug their confi- 
dence to those who make the loudest professions of patriotism. 



FINIS. 



Jamf s Clark/ Printer, Al^eideen. 



